With three fourths of the NFC South pursuing Deshaun Watson, the quarterback market has hit a bit of a standstill. The Saints still loom as an option for Jameis Winston, but a Watson trade obviously nixes that path. Winston may act before Watson, complicating New Orleans’ QB path.
The Colts have engaged in discussions with Winston, Josina Anderson of USA Today reports (on Twitter). This makes sense, given Indianapolis’ sudden need, but Winston said the Saints have already made him an offer. Saints GM Mickey Loomis said earlier this month a Winston return was in play, though the team’s proposal may be contingent on Watson choosing the Falcons or Panthers.
[RELATED: Saints, Watson Meet Again]
Further complicating the QB market is Baker Mayfield, who has been connected to the Colts. The Browns, who have a bit of an issue on their hands now after making an unsuccessful push for Watson and irking their incumbent starter, have not indicated they will grant Mayfield’s trade request.
The No. 1 overall pick three years before Mayfield, Winston has spent the past two years with the Saints. He suffered a torn ACL midway through the season, leading to the Saints starting four QBs during the campaign. Winston, 28, threw 14 touchdown passes compared to just three interceptions, despite New Orleans’ bottom-tier pass-catching crew. That works in his favor, while the ACL tear stands to limit his market. Winston, who told Anderson he is uninterested in signing anywhere to be a backup, signed a one-year deal worth $5.5MM with the Saints last year.
Indianapolis will be set to start a different Week 1 quarterback for the sixth straight year, having traded Carson Wentz. That opened up a ton of cap space for the team but also created a noticeable void at the league’s premier position. Signing Winston would not be nearly as costly for the Colts, who lead the NFL in cap space.
Colts fan that might prefer Mariota if it’s a free agent but they gotta get somebody or else they aren’t going to be able to “lure” anyone else