NOLA Saints’ 2022 starting QB isn’t currently on roster

The NOLA Saints have trotted three different starting quarterbacks out onto the field this year. Two of those quarterbacks are slated to hit free agency this spring and the other isn’t really a quarterback.

We’re talking, of course, about Taysom Hill, whose extension with the organization depends on what position he ends up playing over the next three years. If he’s the starting quarterback, he’ll make more money. If he’s an offensive gadget-type player, he’ll make less money, but will still collect a nice check.

The other quarterbacks who have played snaps for the Saints this year are Jameis Winston and Trevor Siemian. Winston was the starter for the first seven games but was injured in Week 8 and left fans wondering where this season could have gone with him under center. Siemian took over and was fine for a few weeks but struggled as he continued to play.

With all of this in mind, it’s not surprising that the Saints are one of four teams per David Carr of NFL.com who don’t have their 2022 starting quarterback on the roster.

NOLA Saints’ starting quarterback for next year isn’t on the roster

Carr discusses how Hill and Siemian aren’t the answers moving forward about, but he is conflicted about Winston. Carr writes:

"The one thing I’m on the fence about is whether New Orleans should try to bring back Winston, whose season was ended by a knee injury in Week 8, and who is headed for free agency. After sitting behind and learning from Drew Brees in 2020, Winston showed improvement as the team’s starter in 2021, helping New Orleans to a 5-2 record before his injury."

This is certainly a popular opinion around the Big Easy, as Winston showed enough for fans to be content with having him as the starting signal-caller for another season.

Carr continued:

"No disrespect to Winston, but acquiring a quarterback who can definitely get them back to where they were with Brees (and beyond) should be the goal, and to me, that means looking for a new option."

I’d be okay with the Saints re-signing Winston but also think they should draft a quarterback early on either way. Maybe inking Winston to another deal could lead to New Orleans drafting a receiver in round one and then addressing the quarterback position.

With NOLA likely landing a top 15 draft pick, they might have a shot at some of the better quarterback prospects and it might be hard for them to pass up on a rare opportunity. Matt Corral, Kenny Pickett, and Malik Wills could all be options here for the Saints if they do decide to spend that first-rounder on a quarterback.

Either way, it’s not a surprise for people to think that the Saints’ starting quarterback for the 2022 season isn’t on their current roster.