Jameis Winston's NFL future looked uncertain entering this offseason, but he has found a nice landing spot with the New Orleans Saints.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers never seemed inclined on bringing him back as their starter, a notion that became much clearer when they signed Tom Brady in free agency.
While Winston took to social media to proclaim his readiness and motivation for 2020, he seemed destined to be a backup if in fact he was signed.
Fortunately for Winston, he might be entering into an ideal situation.
The former No. 1 overall pick is reportedly signing a one-year deal with the Saints and will be Drew Brees' backup, though the move deserves more context.
Planning for the present… and the future
Remember when the Saints took a chance on former Minnesota Vikings starter Teddy Bridgewater by making him the highest-paid backup in the NFL? Well, that was a move that paid off in spades.
Bridgewater went undefeated in five starts after Brees suffered a thumb injury in Week 2, using his steady performance to land a three-year deal from the Carolina Panthers this offseason.
Now, the Saints will certainly hope Brees can remain healthy this year. At the same time, signing Winston provides just a bit more of an insurance at the quarterback spot. Taysom Hill is a dynamic athlete and can certainly throw the football, but Winston is more of a known commodity under center.
Article Continues BelowThe other reason why signing Winston is a plus for the Saints is this: he has the chance to mature and develop behind Brees; if and when Brees retires, the Saints might have their replacement-in-waiting.
Winston has certainly had his problems, both on and off the field. The 26-year-old was suspended for three games in 2018 for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, and he went just 28-42 in five seasons with the Bucs while struggling to limit turnovers.
But if Bridgewater's 2019 is any indication, there is hope for Winston. The Saints have a strong foundation in place, and there is no denying Winston's sheer arm talent.
Having the chance to learn from a professional like Brees is a luxury Winston is unlikely to take for granted, and Saints head coach Sean Payton will almost certainly keep him on the straight and narrow.
There are a few other teams that might have been interesting for Winston, most notably the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, the Saints make the most sense as he looks to get his career back on track.
Winston will have to shape up and fully commit to the grind as a member of one of the better top-to-bottom organizations in football, especially if he hopes to take over one Brees retires. But that is undoubtedly a good thing for Jameis, both personally and professionally.