Jameis Winston wants to “carry that torch” for Saints in post-Brees era

The New Orleans Saints re-signed Jameis Winston this offseason. It was one of their big moves that they were able to achieve after clearing over nine figures in cap space. The Saints entered the offseason in one of the biggest salary cap holes in league history.

But, with general manager Mickey Loomis leading the way, the Saints’ future should’ve never been in doubt. That said, it felt like the entire offseason was about finding a way to retain Winston and Marcus Williams.

Loomis did just that.

Jameis Winston is set to take over for the now-retired Drew Brees, and he’s planning to “carry that torch” for the New Orleans Saints.

“I would love to carry that torch,” Winston told NOLA.com’s Jeff Novak when asked about the pressure that’ll be put on him following a player that had been the heart and soul of a franchise for well over a decade.

Winston will have to battle with Taysom Hill, who started and won three games for the Saints last season. While it should be Winston who wins the battle, there’s still a possibility he isn’t the Week 1 quarterback.

All expectations are that he’ll be their guy though.

The league’s passing yards leader in 2019, Winston has the arm strength and talent to get the job done. With clearer vision after getting LASIK and a season with Sean Payton already under his belt, it could be the Jameis Winston show in New Orleans.

Winston’s potential is sky high, especially in an offense as dynamic as this one, but as he led the league in yards, he also led the league in turnovers which is why he took a drastically undervalued contract to join the Saints last offseason.

With a run game to lean on, Winston should have his best still in store. A former No. 1 overall pick, Winston could be a long-term option for the Saints and could be looking at his best season yet in 2021.