Where will Jameis Winston play football in 2024? The New Orleans Saints reworked their contract with Winston so that they’ll have to extend or release him before the start of free agency in March, which offers some slight salary cap benefits.
It’s tough to see Winston returning after he and the rest of the offense went rogue in mop-up duty against the Atlanta Falcons to close out the 2023 season. So where could he land next?
That’s what was asked of him during an appearance on the Pardon My Take podcast. Winston was asked to name his preference of four (well, five) “random” cities that all happen to house NFL teams with question marks at quarterback: Seattle, Atlanta, Washington D.C., and Foxborough, Mass.
“They sound random,” Winston quipped. When the hosts added Denver to the list, he responded, “I was waiting for that one.”
The Seahawks can get out of their contract with quarterback Geno Smith easily enough. Atlanta desperately needs an answer under center. Washington is expected to pick a quarterback second overall in the 2024 draft, as are the Patriots at No. 3. All four teams have new head coaches, too. And we can’t rule out a reunion with Sean Payton on the Broncos.
As for Winston’s preference? He’s eager to embrace any opportunity, though one city stands out from the rest. And Saints fans won’t be happy to hear it.
“Atlanta, I grew up an hour and a half from Atlanta,” Winston mused. “I’m from Birmingham, Alabama. That would be a beautiful time just for my family. That would be beautiful. But I feel like I’m the attraction. I’m the thing, I’m the city, that is going to bring joy, love, trust, peace, and integrity to any location that I’m at. Because I’m a man of increase. Wherever it may be, that city, is going to get someone that is ready. A kind of man that is prepared to grow everyone around him.”
No one has questioned Winston’s positive mindset and leadership qualities; he’s been loved by every locker room he’s ever joined. And that could help him secure his next NFL opportunity. Whether teams view him as a potential starter or a high-end backup, his services should be in demand. We’ll just have to wait until March to see what’s next for him.
