Winston's Potential Move to Broncos Sparks Interest for Backup Quarterback Role
Jameis Winston may join the Broncos as a backup quarterback, drawing from his previous connection with coach Sean Payton. Despite interception concerns, he has the potential to fit the team well.
The colorful gunslinger, Jameis Winston, has a notable history with coach Sean Payton, having served as Drew Brees' backup in New Orleans. According to Benjamin on January 28, Winston could become a beloved backup for young quarterback Bo Nix in Denver.
This past season, Winston completed 61.1% of his passes, accumulating 2,121 yards, with 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Throughout his career, he has made $76.5 million and may be seeking a starting role after being thrust into a starting position with the Browns in Week 8.
However, his tendency for interceptions, with a 19:20 touchdown-to-interception ratio over the last three seasons, raises concerns about his ability to secure a QB1 role in free agency.
Winston spent five seasons with the Buccaneers before joining the Saints in 2020, where he played under Payton for two seasons until Payton stepped down after the 2021 season. Their time together left a lasting impression on both.
Winston praised Payton's leadership, saying, “What Sean possessed was a leadership quality that was so important to our team... he was one of the best leaders I've been around.” Payton also commented on Winston, saying, “He’s big, he’s tremendous in the locker room, he’s got this infectious personality...”
With the potential loss of backups Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson in free agency, Winston checks many boxes for the Broncos as they would have approximately $34.7 million in cap space. OTC projects Winston's annual valuation at $9 million, slightly less than the combined $9.7 million received by Stidham and Wilson in 2024.
