As the quarterback market shrinks, so do Jameis Winston’s likely destinations. A handful of clubs still need a starter, and with many eyes on Deshaun Watson’s decision, Winston still has a lot of cachet as an experienced QB with some serious pop. What are some intriguing landing spots for Winston based on the latest rumors as we approach the end of the first week of NFL free agency?
Predictions for Jameis Winston in 2022 NFL free agency
How good is Winston? In his near-elite 2019 season with the Buccaneers, he was No. 1 in the league in passing yards before the catch, and his No. 3 and No. 4 targets were Breshad Perriman and Cameron Brate. Meanwhile, the Bucs’ running game was third-worst in yards per carry. In other words, he carried that team on his back, and we might excuse him for throwing 30 picks, some of which occurred in garbage time when he simply aired it out with nothing to lose.
There is no comparing him with Tom Brady, of course. But the parallels are worth acknowledging. Winston did a lot in 2019 with much less than Brady has had the past two seasons. That’s not a knock on Brady. It’s saying that Winston has the potential to be a great quarterback again.
Even last season while throwing primarily to Marquez Callaway, Tre’Quan Smith, and Deonte Harty (formerly “Harris”), Winston demonstrated poise while throwing 14 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions in six full games plus one quarter. . . to one of the most undermanned receiving corps in the NFL. I can’t stress that enough. With Michael Thomas sidelined, Winston never had much of a chance. Yet, he proved he could be an above-average quarterback with Alvin Kamara and a collection of receivers who probably couldn’t start on most other teams.
And so, although there aren’t many realistic landing spots remaining for Winston, these three would offer him an opportunity to shine once again, while giving these teams a boost at the NFL’s most important position.
Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis has had two franchise quarterbacks in the last 25 years. But in recent years, they’ve moved from Jacoby Brissett to Philip Rivers to Carson Wentz in the hopes that one would work out. They haven’t, or at least not to the standards of a playoff contender.
Winston would be Indy’s best quarterback since Andrew Luck. And with Jonathan Taylor running the ground attack, Michael Pittman Jr. leading through the air, and a strong defense keeping the team competitive, Winston would have the personnel to thrive as a playmaking quarterback who also doesn’t need to make all of the big plays to win.
Seattle Seahawks
When the Seahawks traded Russell Wilson, many wondered what would become of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett — because this team no longer has the strong defense they enjoyed last decade. Rashaad Penny might be moving on. There are concerns about Chris Carson’s health-related viability as a future bell cow. But for a while, Seattle fans could hold out hope that Wilson and his exceptional receivers would continue to keep this team in games.
Drew Lock likely isn’t a long-term solution. Maybe this franchise will draft their next franchise QB in April. But for now, Winston might be their best play. Metcalf could bolt next offseason (and in fairness, we don’t know if Seattle would want to pay him). This team could be on the verge of a massive rebuild. Acquiring a proven quarterback — even if he can’t recapture the magic of 2019 — could be good for Winston and this franchise.
Carolina Panthers
Not ideal for Winston, in that Carolina might not be an ideal long-term destination. They’re publicly open to unloading Christian McCaffrey, and DJ Moore will be a free agent next offseason. Signing D’Onta Foreman is nice but not consequential.
The Panthers have to do something differently at quarterback, where they’ve flailed ever since injuries derailed Cam Newton’s once illustrious career. At a minimum, Winston would run a better offense than what he had in New Orleans, assuming (a big assumption, of course) McCaffrey remains healthy and productive, including in the passing game, where he elevated quarterbacks for years.