The New Orleans Saints were involved in the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes but ultimately fell short when the three-time Pro Bowler landed with the Cleveland Browns. The Saints had to then come up with a new strategy at the quarterback spot. Instead, New Orleans fell back on a solid option, agreeing to terms on a contract with free agent quarterback Jameis Winston, who spent this past season with New Orleans. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero first reported the deal.

Per Pelissero, Jameis Winston and the Saints have agreed to a two-year, $28 million deal, which includes $21 million of guaranteed money for the Florida State product.

It's a very solid payday for Winston, who is coming off of a season-ending ACL and MCL injury back in Week 8 of the 2021 regular season.

Before the injury, Winston was enjoying a strong campaign, as he had thrown for 1,170 yards, 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions, cutting down on the turnovers that had been his Achilles heel in previous seasons.

Winston was 5-2 as a starter for the Saints, who are clearly banking on him finding his form from this past season. While it hurts to lose out on Watson, New Orleans will benefit from the stability of having Winston back in their system for the next two seasons.

Winston, who was spotted running in February in his recovery from his knee injury, will set his sights on preparing for the 2022 season with a deal in place to return to the Saints.