Jameis Winston Landing Spots: Patriots, Steelers, Saints Could Make Sense For Free-Agent QB

Jameis Winston is still looking for a home. The NFL’s passing leader remains a free agent well into the official start of the 2020 offseason.

Most teams, if not all, are comfortable going into next season with a starting quarterback that’s already on their roster. That means there’s a dwindling number of realistic land spots for Winston.

Here’s a look at three destinations that could make sense for Winston in 2020.

New England Patriots

The Patriots have a gaping hole at quarterback with Tom Brady joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. New England might have high hopes for fourth-round pick Jarrett Stidham, but no one knows for sure if he can even be a competent quarterback. Backup Brian Hoyer has proven he can’t be a reliable starter.

New England had the NFL’s No.1 defense last season. Even if Winston remains one of the league’s most turnover-prone quarterbacks, he’d have a chance to lead the Patriots to another AFC East title.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers clearly need to upgrade their backup quarterback position. Neither Mason Rudolph nor Devlin Hodges was able to adequately fill Ben Roethlisberger’s shoes when the two-time champion missed 14 games in 2019. The quarterbacks both threw for fewer than 181 yards per game, combining for 18 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.

Winston could be Roethlisberger’s successor if he signs with the Steelers. Roethlisberger is 38 years old and coming off elbow surgery, potentially headed toward the end of his career.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints have shown they are willing to pay big for a backup quarterback, and it’s been a worthwhile investment. Teddy Bridgewater made $7.25 million last season and went 5-0 as New Orleans’ starter when Drew Brees was recovering from thumb surgery. Brees will be 42 years old by the time the 2021 Super Bowl comes around, so it would not be surprising if he’s forced to be sidelined at some point in 2020.

Bridgewater turned his short stint with the Saints into a $66 million contract with the Carolina Panthers. Winston could potentially do something similar if he got a chance to play a few games with New Orleans.