According to Yahoo Sports, New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has a new reclamation project on his hands. Jameis Winston, who became the first player in NFL history to throw at least 30 touchdowns and 30 interceptions last season, is finalizing a one-year deal to join the Saints, sources told Yahoo and the Associated Press.
To fit underneath the salary cap, Winston’s 2020 salary will be “very economical,” the sources said. Winston will get a chance to compete for the backup job behind Drew Brees with gadget player Taysom Hill, who just signed a two-year, $21 million contract with the team that includes $16 million guaranteed.
It remains to be seen if the Saints actually view Hill as a viable option to take over the team from Brees, as he attempted just six passes last year but has rushed 64 times for 352 yards and three TDs in the past two seasons. In addition to lining up as a read-option quarterback, Hill has also seen snaps as a running back, tight end, receiver and on special teams.
To earn a spot on the team, Winston will have his work cut out for him as the Saints also selected Mississippi State QB Tommy Stevens in the seventh round of the draft on Saturday.
In five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Winston passed for 19,737 yards and 121 touchdowns while throwing 88 interceptions. The team went 28-42 in games the former No. 1 overall pick started.
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