Jameis Winston reveals the reason he may ultimately leave the Saints

During a 2024 Mardi Gras celebration, veteran quarterback Jameis Winston declared that he wants to remain with the New Orleans Saints forever. Not only does Winston love the team, he loves the city. Winston has repeatedly made it clear throughout his four years with the New Orleans Saints that he loves the people and culture of New Orleans.

However, Winston is now set to be a free agent, and his time in New Orleans could be coming to an end. Fans have made it clear that they want the team to re-sign Winston, and Winston has explained that he wants to be here. Still, there’s at least one reason why Winston may ultimately be signing with another team this offseason.

Speaking with the Saints News Network in a recent interview, Winston opened up about his future, saying that he will go wherever God leads him next and he’s going to do his best to dominate the opportunity. As far as a return with the Saints, Winston didn’t sound optimistic, stating his desire to be a starter in this league.

"My goal is to be, and my desire is to be, a Super Bowl-winning starting quarterback in this league. Right now, that doesn't look like a very clear picture with the New Orleans Saints."

- Jameis Winston (Saints News Network)

Saints quarterback Jameis Winston wants to start in the NFL

Winston has only started 10 total games during his four seasons in New Orleans. In those 10 games, the Saints were 6-4, while Jameis Winston completed 60.9% of his passes for 2,028 yards, 18 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, with an additional touchdown on the ground. The last start came during the 2022 season, with Winston backing up Derek Carr all of 2023.

New Orleans is gearing up for year two with Derek Carr as the starting quarterback, and Winston doesn’t sound like he’s content with signing on to be a backup. However, that doesn’t mean that his time in New Orleans is over for sure.

The Saints could agree to have an open quarterback competition between Carr and Winston. If Winston is willing to compete, and he believes he has a fair shot at winning the starting job, he could re-sign with the team. With Klint Kubiak bringing in a new scheme, both quarterbacks could start fresh.

The other way that Winston could end back with the Saints is if he explores the market and finds out that teams are only willing to offer him a backup role. If that’s all he has to choose from, he could head back to New Orleans, taking the role in the city that he loves.

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