Winston has "leg up" in QB competition

QB Jameis Winston has inked a 1-year deal with the Saints that's worth "up to" $12 million, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. This move has been the league's worst-kept secret. Winston attempted just 11 passes for the Saints last season, but HC Sean Payton must have liked what he saw from the former #1 overall pick throughout the year. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said yesterday that Winston is the Saints' "likely starter" this season -- but ESPN's Dianna Russini reported earlier today that Winston and Taysom Hill will compete for the starting job. Whoever is under center in New Orleans will have easy QB1 upside.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the Saints have been working with QB Jameis Winston on a new contract and that he's hearing Winston will be the "likely starter" for New Orleans in 2021. The 2 sides obviously have to actually consummate that with a deal, but this is enough to make us push Winston up the QB rankings a bit -- and Hill down -- for our best-ball drafts.

The Athletic's Larry Holder believes there's a "strong likelihood" that QB Jameis Winston will be the Saints' starter in 2021. It's an opinion, rather than a report -- but noteworthy nonetheless from a long-time Saints beat writer. New Orleans opted to start QB Taysom Hill instead of Winston when QB Drew Brees missed time this past season. But Holder says the Saints love Winston's arm talent and football IQ and believe HC Sean Payton can "mold" Winston to fit the system. We're a bit skeptical that Hill won't get a shot in 2021 considering he's due to make nearly $11 million. Winston, meanwhile, is set to become a free agent in March, so we'll see how aggressive the Saints are in bringing him back.

QB Jameis Winston is set to sign a 1-year deal with the Saints, according to Yahoo's Charles Robinson. Winston reportedly turned down more money from another team, choosing instead to learn from QB Drew Brees and HC Sean Payton. Smart move. Winston is obviously off the 2020 fantasy radar, barring a Brees injury. But the 26-year-old remains a dynasty hold. Brees is 41 and taking his career season-to-season at this point.

Update: This move has finally become official.

Bucs QB Jameis Winston underwent surgery this offseason to repair a torn meniscus, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Winston never appeared on the injury report with a knee last year, so it's unclear when the injury occurred. We'll monitor his rehab, but this shouldn't impact his 2020. Winston, of course, is set to hit free agency if the Bucs don't use the franchise tag on him by March 12.