NFL Rumors: Jameis Winston Offered New Contract by Saints After Derek Carr's Deal

The New Orleans Saints have reportedly offered quarterback Jameis Winston the opportunity to stay with the team as a backup with a restructured contract.

According to ESPN's Dianna Russini, Winston has until Wednesday to accept the offer, or else he will be released ahead of the start of the new league year.

Winston's chances of regaining the starting job in New Orleans were dashed this week when the Saints signed free-agent quarterback Derek Carr to a four-year, $150 million contract.

In 2015, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made Winston the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, and after five seasons with the organization, he hit free agency.

Winston threw for a career-high 5,109 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2019, but he also led the NFL with 30 interceptions, prompting the Bucs to spring for quarterback Tom Brady in free agency.

Despite his big-time production in 2019, Winston had to settle for a backup role with the Saints in 2020 behind future Hall of Famer Drew Brees. Winston was essentially the No. 3 quarterback behind Brees and Taysom Hill, attempting only 11 passes.

When Brees retired at the conclusion of the 2020 campaign, Winston became the Saints' new starter, and he began the 2021 season well, going 5-2 and completing 59.0 percent of his passes for 1,170 yards, 14 touchdowns and just three picks.

Winston's season was cut short by a torn ACL, though, and the Saints largely struggled after he was injured, finishing 9-8 and missing the playoffs.

After a great deal of rehabilitation, Winston was back in time for the start of the 2022 season, and he was named the starter once again.

In three games, Winston went 1-2 and completed 63.5 percent of his passing attempts for 858 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions, but a back injury caused him to miss some time.

Veteran Andy Dalton played well during Winston's absence, so head coach Dennis Allen made the decision to demote Winston to a backup role when he returned from his injury.

Dalton is likely to leave in free agency, leaving the Saints with a backup quarterback void behind Carr if Winston does not agree to stay.

Carr is only 63-79 during his career and led the Las Vegas Raiders to the playoffs just twice in nine seasons, but he still represents a huge acquisition for the franchise.

He is the Raiders' all-time leader in passing yardage (35,222) and passing touchdowns (217), and because of the tumultuous nature of the NFC South, he is by far the best quarterback currently in the division.

The Saints are shaping up to be the favorites to win the NFC South, and keeping Winston around as an insurance policy would give them a chance to remain competitive should Carr get injured.

As for Winston, there aren't likely to be any starting opportunities available to him in free agency, so staying in New Orleans may prove to be an attractive option.