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Jameis Winston’s unselfishness shows New Orleans Saints’ gold standard

By Nathan Beighle

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 29: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 29: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Jameis Winston signed a one-year contract to join the New Orleans Saints, and he did that while turning down more high-value deals.

At this point, Jameis Winston signing with the New Orleans Saints can seemingly all be traced back to Teddy Bridgewater‘s near career-ending knee injury. Some thought Bridgewater would never see the field again.

Bridgewater missed the entire 2016 season then played one game in 2017. That’s when he decided his time with the Minnesota Vikings was done. Bridgewater joined the Saints for the 2018 and 2019 season.

He learned and studied behind future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees.

With Sean Payton guiding the team, Bridgewater was groomed into being a quality starting quarterback which he displayed in his appearances this past season, leading the Saints to a 5-0 start while throwing nine touchdowns and two interceptions.

That’s what Winston is hopeful to do this coming season.

What’s odd is that Bridgewater had no other solid options while Winston turned down higher-valued contracts to turn into the next Bridgewater. The other odd factor is just how good Winston had been.

Most find Winston’s play horrific. He had 30 interceptions, a league-high. While that negative is appalling, it’s far from the only thing that highlighted the 2019 season. He ended the year with the league’s most passing yards. He also had the league’s most passing attempts.

However, he’s set to right his wrongs and to fix his turnovers issues in order to see that payday or to one day be the guy on a team that could rival for a Super Bowl. That’s why he’s coming to a place the revamped Bridgewater’s falling apart career.

Winston could easily found a contract that was north of eight figures. Could he have reached $20 million? Who knows, but Winston, a mere 26-year-old former No. 1 overall pick, put that aside. He knew that the gold standard was in New Orleans.

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That’s why he put the money aside. Winston wants to learn from the best, and you can bet that Brees will do his best to build up Winston’s confidence and improve his decision making.

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