Winston the likely starter

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler confirms that Saints QB Jameis Winston "appears well-positioned to start opening day vs. Green Bay." HC Sean Payton has yet to officially name a starter, but it'd be a surprise if it wasn't Winston after his impressive showing in the 2nd preseason game. "Winston is receiving significant locker-room support this week for the Saints starting QB job, with many teammates treating him as if he is the starter or giving indications he will get the job," Fowler adds. If you're drafting this weekend, assume Winston is the Saints' starter. He's not an appealing fantasy option -- but Winston being under center is good news for RB Alvin Kamara and the rest of New Orleans' skill guys.

The Browns and QB Jameis Winston have agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $8.7 million, according to insider Jordan Schultz. Winston had interest from "multiple teams," per Schultz, but was presumably not offered a starting job. He'll slide in behind QB Deshaun Watson in Cleveland. Watson is coming off a disappointing 2023 season that ended with a right shoulder injury that required surgery. Considering what the Browns are paying him, though, Watson will need to be even worse this year for Winston to see the field. Winston is only worth stashing in deeper superflex dynasty leagues. This signing means that QB Joe Flacco won't be back in Cleveland.

Saints backup QB Jameis Winston agreed to a restructured contract that adds two years to his deal, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports. But the move was reportedly done merely to spread out his cap hits. Those two extra years void "early in the new league year," according to Fowler. That means Winston can still hit free agency this spring. The 30-year-old will be interesting to watch on the market. Winston is stashable in dynasty leagues now (where possible) in case he lands behind a shaky starter. That seems more likely than Winston getting a shot to be some team's bridge QB. Winston previously hit the market in 2020, 2021, and 2022. His most recent New Orleans contract came with a starting opportunity ($28 million over two years), but the Saints stuck with Andy Dalton in 2022 even after Winston got healthy and then imported Derek Carr for 2023.

CBS' Josina Anderson reports that Saints QB Jameis Winston is "finalizing" a deal to stay with the Saints. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that it's a one-year agreement worth "up to" $8 million. Rapoport adds that Winston faced "no starting opportunities," which would explain the QB settling for a backup spot behind QB Derek Carr. There would be fantasy upside to Winston if Carr goes down. But it's bad news that the 29-year-old couldn't get a better shot anywhere else just a year after opening 2022 as the New Orleans starter. This comes at the same time as the Buccaneers are rumored to be interested in Baker Mayfield and Jacoby Brissett -- just to add some context. Don't expect big things from Winston going forward.

Saints HC Dennis Allen said Wednesday that the team will wait until game time Thursday night to name the starting QB against the Cardinals. Both Jameis Winston (back, ankle) and Andy Dalton (back) have been limited in practice this week.

Saints QBs Jameis Winston (back, ankle) and Andy Dalton (back) were limited in Tuesday's practice. It remains unclear who will start vs. the Cardinals on Thursday night. We'll get New Orleans' final injury report tomorrow.