With NFL free agency just on the horizon, the quarterback carousel has the potential to spin forcefully. Jameis Winston, one of the carousel's riders, should be able to land a starting job somewhere in the league after a promising, injury-shortened 2021 campaign.

In seven games with the New Orleans Saints, Winston threw for 1,170 yards and 14 touchdowns. His interception rate of 1.9 percent was less than half of what it was in 2019, his last season as a full-time starter. Although the number of yards he threw for wasn't very good, his touchdown-to-interception ratio is much improved.

For offenses that don't rely heavily on big plays or need a stop-gap option, Winston can be their man. Turning back the clock to the time when he lead the league in yards (5,109) and interceptions (30) while throwing 33 touchdowns would be interesting but unlikely. Winston is best served to be a game manager.

Several NFL teams will go into free agency in need of a quarterback. Winston is a solid option for several of these teams.

Jameis Winston Free Agency Landing Spots

3. Washington Commanders

Washington head coach Ron Rivera recently said that they have the infrastructure to succeed once they get an elite quarterback. His take spells doom for Taylor Heinicke, as the Commanders will likely look to secure another quarterback.

Winson is most likely not of the caliber that Rivera envisions filling that gap. But players who he does see of that caliber may be extremely hard to come by. Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson could be available for trade but they will not come cheap. And they may not be interested in playing for a historically (and currently) dysfunctional franchise.

If Washington fails to lure one of the NFL's best QBs, they could make a run at Winston. The team's strong offensive line, Alex Gibson and Terry McLaurin are a pretty strong supporting cast.

2. Denver Broncos

The Broncos' defense was one of the best units in football last season. But their offense was more embarrassing than their defense was impressive. Denver only won games when their defense allowed 16 points or fewer to the opposition.

Winston would be an upgrade over Teddy Bridgewater and Will Lock. Denver may actually be one of the rare teams that would benefit from embracing the gun-slinging version of Winston. With Jerry Jeudy, Noah Fant, Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick, he'll have plenty of targets to throw to. If his obscene interception proneness comes back, he'll have one of the NFL's best defenses to help.

1. Indianapolis Colts

The Carson Wentz experiment might be a one-and-done affair in Indianapolis. They may turn to Winston for a cheaper option while they search for a long-term option at quarterback.

Winston won't have to carry the burden of the offense if he joins the Colts. He. will have the services of Jonathan Taylor to lean on. Although Taylor showed he can shoulder the burden of an offense, Winston will have to pick up the slack in the passing game.

The Colts, however, would also have to do their part. Michael Pittman Jr. is a solid option but the depth behind him is shaky. T.Y. Hilton and Zach Pascal are hitting free agency. The front office needs to put a promising receiving core around him. If they can, Indianapolis can avenge the embarrassing end to its 2021 seasons and secure a playoff spot.