Free-agent quarterback Jameis Winston says that he has had talks with the Indianapolis Colts.
With the start of the new league year on Wednesday, the trade that sent Carson Wentz from the Indianapolis Colts to the Washington Commanders is now official.
That means the Colts don’t currently have a starting quarterback. To this point, the majority of Indy’s offseason has consisted of observing other moves to see what options will remain for Indy.
First, there were the Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson decisions. Now, Indianapolis must await the outcome of the Deshaun Watson trade.
Watson will reportedly decide between the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons. Either option could open up a path for a quarterback to join Indy.
If Watson chooses the Saints, New Orleans’ starting quarterback from last season, Jameis Winston, will certainly go to another team. Winston is currently a free agent and has said that he’s spoken with both the Colts and the Saints.
I just spoke w/ QB Jameis Winston who told me he's had conversations with both the #Colts and the #Saints. Saints already made an offer earlier this offseason. Winston in very good spirits told me, "I still view myself as a starter in this league and that's what I'm looking for."
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 17, 2022
Colts are exploring Jameis Winston as QB option
Winston, like many others, is likely awaiting the outcome of the Watson saga. Considering Winston’s goal to start, he would likely return to New Orleans if they don’t land Watson.
That is where Jameis has spent his last two seasons, improving as a quarterback so that he could continue to start in this league. After one year on the bench behind Drew Brees, Winston took over for the Saints.
In seven games with New Orleans last season, Winston threw 1,170 yards, 14 touchdowns, and three interceptions while leading the Saints to a 5-2 record.
Everything was going great for Winston’s career resurgence until he tore his ACL during a game in late October. Jameis had surgery in November and has been on the road to recovery since.
His injury status could ultimately be one of the biggest factors in how much interest the Colts have in him. The version of Winston fans last saw healthy is one of the better quarterback options available to Indianapolis right now.
Indy will have to do its best to evaluate Winston and his return-to-play timeline. The Colts will likely want to make a quarterback decision early, so the current conversations with Winston are critical.
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