Former New Orleans Saints QB Jamie Winston has has agreed a deal with New Orleans Saints to return after been…
Jameis Winston Returns to the New Orleans Saints in Surprise Comeback Deal
New Orleans, LA — In a surprising turn of events, former New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston has agreed to return to the team, signing a short-term deal after several months in free agency. The 30-year-old veteran quarterback had previously played for the Saints from 2020 to 2023 before parting ways with the franchise at the end of last season. Now, he’s back — and both fans and analysts are eager to see what his second stint in the Crescent City will bring.
The deal, announced by the team early Friday morning, marks a reunion that few saw coming. Winston had been exploring opportunities elsewhere after his previous contract with the Saints expired. Though he garnered some interest from quarterback-needy teams during the offseason, he remained unsigned — until now.
The Saints’ front office confirmed that Winston signed a one-year, incentive-laden contract that offers a base salary with performance bonuses tied to playing time and team success. According to sources close to the negotiations, the deal reflects both the Saints’ desire to shore up their quarterback depth and Winston’s interest in returning to a familiar system.
Familiar Ground
Winston first joined the Saints in 2020 after five rollercoaster seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Seen at the time as a reclamation project under head coach Sean Payton and legendary quarterback Drew Brees, Winston embraced a backup role and focused on refining his decision-making and limiting turnovers — the very issues that had plagued him in Tampa Bay.
After Brees retired in 2021, Winston was named the starter and led the team to a 5-2 record before suffering a torn ACL midseason. Injuries and inconsistent play over the next two years saw him benched in favor of other quarterbacks, but he remained a well-liked figure in the locker room and a valuable mentor to younger players.
Now, with uncertainty surrounding the Saints’ quarterback depth chart and concerns over durability at the position, Winston provides a proven, experienced option who already understands the team’s offensive philosophy.
Dennis Allen Speaks
Head coach Dennis Allen expressed his support for Winston’s return, emphasizing the quarterback’s professionalism and leadership.
“Jameis is a competitor. He knows our system, he knows our locker room, and he brings a level of energy that’s contagious,” said Allen during a press conference Friday afternoon. “We’re excited to have him back. He adds depth and gives us flexibility at the quarterback position.”
Allen declined to specify Winston’s role, indicating that the team would evaluate the quarterback situation during training camp and preseason.
Quarterback Room Taking Shape
With Winston now back in the fold, the Saints’ quarterback room becomes more crowded — and more competitive. Veteran Derek Carr remains the presumed starter heading into 2025 after an up-and-down first season in New Orleans. Behind him, third-year pro Jake Haener and undrafted rookie Malik Jefferson will compete for backup spots.
Winston’s return could spark a three-way battle for the No. 2 quarterback role or potentially open up trade discussions if another team in the league finds itself in need of an experienced signal-caller during training camp.
A Second Chance
For Winston, this return is more than just a job — it’s a chance to finish unfinished business. After injuries derailed his opportunity to solidify himself as the Saints’ long-term starter in 2021, he now gets another opportunity to prove that he can still contribute at a high level.
“New Orleans has always felt like home to me,” Winston said in a statement released by the team. “I’ve grown a lot as a player and a person since I first came here. I’m grateful for the chance to put on the black and gold again and do whatever I can to help this team win.”
Known for his charismatic personality and locker room presence, Winston’s return has already been well-received by many of his former teammates. Social media posts from current Saints players like Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas welcomed him back with enthusiasm.
What’s Next?
As the Saints prepare for OTAs and training camp, Winston’s return will no doubt be one of the more intriguing storylines to follow. Whether he serves as a mentor, a backup, or a potential starter, his presence adds experience, energy, and insurance at one of the league’s most important positions.
For a team trying to regain its footing in a competitive NFC South, every edge matters — and bringing back a player who knows the system and the culture might be exactly the spark they need.