On Monday evening, it became evidently clear that the New Orleans Saints need to choose Jameis Winston over Taysom Hill. However, an Ian Book side-story also began to emerge — at least during the broadcast.
First thing is first, even though it is now obvious: Winston is measurably better than Hill. In turn, Hill's value is playing a billion different positions for the Saints as opposed to being — best case scenario — a lateral option at gunslinger for the franchise.
That said, as the broadcasting crew mentioned a billion times during Monday night's game, the Saints are going to carry four gunslingers on the roster, as they are fearful of letting Ian Book hit waivers since they are extremely high on him. The other gunslinger who will make the roster is Trevor Siemian, who will likely backup a win-now Winston as New Orleans is still in win-now mode and Book still needs polish.
Nonetheless, this actually puts Sean Payton in a good spot. He can — FINALLY — move off his Taysom Hill addiction. By removing him from having to take regular quarterback reps, perhaps the versatile talent can began excelling elsewhere to the point he finds regular roles on offense.
As for Jameis Winston, he probably is who he is at this point. A stopgap gunslinger who is solid enough to not prevent a good roster from winning games, even if he will cost them a few along the way via Winston's adoration for turning the ball over. Still, he's not awful.
Circling back to possibly — maybe only in theory — the biggest part of all of this. As the New Orleans Saints try to win now with Jameis Winston, as Taysom Hill runs around the football field like a chicken with its head cut off, Sean Payton will get to see Ian Book in practice. From scout team to reps to film room, he'll get to actually find out if the former Notre Dame Fighting Irish QB is worth keeping around.
If not, as the broadcasting crew mentioned a few times during Monday night's game, other teams have been calling to ask the Saints about Book. By protecting him behind numerous other (alleged) win-now gunslingers, Book's value will never drop. He is — at worse — a fourth-round draft pick who the Saints can demand third round value for.
Best case? Ian Book truly pans out, the Jameis Winston era lasts a good-though-not-spectacular season, and a new era of Saints football is already here. He just so happens to be chilling on the sideline.
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