Winston returns to Saints on 2-year deal for reported $28M

The New Orleans Saints re-signed quarterback Jameis Winston to a two-year, $28-million contract that includes $21 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.

The Saints focused on retaining Winston after whiffing on an attempt to trade for Deshaun Watson.

Winston started seven games for the Saints last season before tearing his ACL. He threw for 1,170 yards with 14 touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 59% of his passes.

Winston previously made 70 starts for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who drafted him first overall in 2015. He put up big numbers for the Bucs but struggled mightily with turnovers. He threw for 33 touchdowns with an astounding 30 interceptions in 2019, his last year in Tampa Bay.

The Saints went 5-2 in Winston's starts last season, but lost six of their last 11 games without him and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

New Orleans is looking to re-establish a passing attack that was one of the NFL's most efficient units in prior seasons. Star wide receiver Michael Thomas is poised to return to the lineup after missing the entire 2021 campaign with an injury.

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