Saints Assistant GM: Winston Would Be a Great Fit in New Orleans

Jameis Winston with Buccaneers in 2017. Photo by John Fisher/CSM/REX/Shutterstock

The New Orleans Saints have reportedly begun closing in on a one-year deal with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston, but the deal is still in the works.

With that being said, Saints’ assistant general manager Jeff Ireland made his enthusiasm about the potential partnership between Winston and his team known in a radio interview on Monday.

According to Ireland, one of the biggest draws for Winston in New Orleans is the opportunity to learn behind starting quarterback Drew Brees. Ireland made it clear, saying, “If Drew never said a word to him, he would observe more than he’ll ever learn in football just by learning how Drew does things. He’s an incredible leader. He’s an incredible studier of the game, how he breaks down his opponents.”

Brees is nearing the twilight of his NFL career but remains productive and the leader of his team, having made the Pro Bowl in each of the past four seasons.

Winston has long been lauded for his throwing arm and physical tools, but had major problems with interceptions and decision-making during his tenure as the starting quarterback in Tampa, setting a record for interceptions in a single season last year.

Along with Brees, the Saints also have acclaimed offensive minds in head coach Sean Payton and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael. According to Ireland, “Jameis Winston will learn more football in a year than he has in his lifetime.”

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