The New Orleans Saints are taking a one-year flier on a player that some hope can be the franchise's future, Jameis Winston.
New Orleans officially added the former Pro Bowler to their roster Tuesday.
At his best, Winston can throw 5,000 yards, and 30 touchdowns. At his worst he can throw 30 interceptions and takes 48 sacks. All of that happened last season.
The former number one overall draft pick of the 2015 draft has been a fearless, sometimes reckless, gunslinger. Last season with Bruce Arians, the Buccaneers offense was as electric as it had been in years, but Winston's 30 interceptions led the NFL and ultimately led the team to singing Tom Brady.
Winston's one-year deal will allow him to tryout for a team that knows it needs a backup plan for Drew Brees' eventual retirement. Last season the Saints rolled that dice on Teddy Bridgewater. He played well enough to land a starting gig elsewhere when Brees decided to return.
New Orleans remains committed to Taysom Hill. Earlier this off-season Sean Payton said that Hill would be the backup behind Brees. But that may handcuff the Saints from utilizing Hill as a playmaker, receiver, and returner the way they have. Winston gives New Orleans more security and depth and allows Hill to continue that role.
But signing Winston also creates competition. Not for today, but tomorrow. If Winston plays well in a backup role, learns from Payton and Brees much like Teddy did, could Winston earn a future role with the team? Yes. If he struggles, he's gone in a year, maybe two. It's a low risk, high reward signing. He just has to handle a few friendly ribbings about throwing more interceptions to the Saints, than Hill has completions.
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