Bleacher Report predicts yet another Saints QB will sign with Panthers

One of the biggest names New Orleans Saints fans are watching for this offseason is Jameis Winston, who, once again, is hitting free agency.

Winston went No. 1 overall in the 2015 NFL Draft and after five seasons in Tampa Bay that resulted in zero playoff appearances, the two parted ways and Winston signed with New Orleans for the 2020 season. He served as a backup to Drew Brees but re-signed with the team in 2021 and won the starting job.

While Winston was fine as a starter, he didn’t put up mesmerizing stats by any means, throwing for 1,170 yards, 14 touchdowns, and three interceptions in seven starts before getting injured and missing the rest of the season.

Winston showed he could take care of the football and that was why fans were confident in him at least getting the team to the playoffs. The injury sucked, as it forced the Saints to have to start three other quarterbacks in the final 10 games and the results were pretty hit and miss.

The former No. 1 overall pick is once again headed toward free agency and Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report thinks Winston will follow in Teddy Bridgewater’s footsteps by signing with the Carolina Panthers.

"Winston has spent his entire NFL career in the NFC South and knows how to battle divisional foes. He’s the best option barring a blockbuster trade if the Panthers are looking to win now—and with head coach Matt Rhule firmly on the hot season, the Panthers are looking to win now."

Could Jameis Winston be heading to Carolina?

This would make sense for the Panthers, assuming they can’t get a better quarterback via trade. Matt Rhule is on the hot seat entering the 2022 season so landing someone like Winston could help keep him in Carolina for another year or longer.

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Bridgewater ended up signing with the Panthers after spending two years in New Orleans and then signing with Carolina so it would be kind of funny if Winston ended up doing the same thing. Bridgewater’s Panthers tenure didn’t go well, however, so hopefully the Panthers stay away from Winston and he returns to the Big Easy for at least one more year.