WATCH: Jameis Winston makes huge stride in recovery from torn ACL
Jameis Winston began his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after being selected first overall in the 2015 NFL Draft. After five years in Tampa Bay, Winston signed with the New Orleans Saints. In his first year with the Saints, Winston sat and learned behind Drew Brees. This past season, Winston got his shot as the Saints starting quarterback. Unfortunately for Winston, he suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 against his former team.
Now, Winston is again set to hit free agency. With a weaker class of quarterbacks in the NFL Draft and an uninspiring free agent quarterback class, Winston could find himself with a starting job again next season.
On Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted a video of Winston, who was running for the first time since tearing his ACL.
In the seven games he appeared in before tearing his ACL, Winston led the Saints to a 5-2 record. The Saints ultimately finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs despite finishing second in the NFC South. Prior to his injury, Winston had completed 95 of his 161 passes (59%) on the season for 1,170 yards, 14 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. He also had 166 rushing yards and another score on the ground.
Winston’s ACL recovery could play a big role in the free agent market
Prior to making it to the NFL, Winston starred at Florida State. In two years with the Seminoles, he threw for 7,964 yards with 65 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. He also had 284 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns in his collegiate career.
Winston has flashed great ability as a passer in the NFL, but he has struggled with inconsistencies and turnovers. In Tampa Bay, he completed 61.3% of his passes for 19,737 yards, 121 touchdowns, and 88 interceptions. He threw for over 5,000 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2019, but he also led the league with 30 interceptions. After that year, Winston was let go by the Buccaneers.
Winston was on pace for a solid season with the Saints before tearing his ACL. His numbers weren’t fantastic, but he was taking care of the football and leading New Orleans to victories.
ESPN recently ranked the top 50 potential free agents ahead of the offseason. Winston is the only quarterback included. Some of the names at the top of the NFL Draft board include Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, Sam Howell, Matt Corral, and Desmond Ridder.
While some of those quarterbacks could turn into successful NFL quarterbacks, nobody has established himself as the top available signal-caller. With a “weaker” overall class of quarterbacks available in the draft and free agency, Winston’s progress in his ACL recovery could turn himself into a very hot commodity among quarterback-needy teams.