Jameis Winston might end up with the Indianapolis Colts. The former Heisman Trophy could battle Anthony Richardson for the Colts’ starting quarterback job or start if Richardson gets injured (knock on wood).
Seeing that he was drafted No. 1 overall, Winston was supposed to become a superstar NFL quarterback. Yet, that never quite came to fruition. But with a Pro Bowl selection, three seasons with over 4,000 passing yards, including one with 5,000 yards, he has still put together a solid career.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard hinted that the team will bring in competition for Richardson this offseason. Indianapolis will have plenty of quarterback options. They can draft someone like Texas’ Quinn Ewers or Ohio State’s Will Howard. They can also sign a free agent like Jacoby Brissett or Drew Lock. Jameis Winston will be a free agent as well and could provide the team with veteran leadership
The Indianapolis Colts Could Sign Quarterback Jameis Winston This Offseason
His Football Career Thus Far
Undoubtedly, Jameis Winston is known more for his college accomplishments than his NFL career. The Alabama native played his college ball at Florida State.
After redshirting the 2012 season, Winston became the Seminoles’ starting quarterback the following year. That season, he led Florida State’s offense that set an NCAA record by scoring 723 points. Winston threw for 4,057 yards and 40 touchdowns. He also rushed for 219 yards and four touchdowns.
For his efforts, Winston won the Heisman Trophy as well as the Walter Camp, Manning, and Archie Griffin Awards. He led the Seminoles to a National Championship that year after leading the team on a game-winning drive against Auburn.
During his redshirt sophomore season, Winston led the Seminoles to the first-ever College Football Playoff, where they lost to Oregon in the semifinals. He then decided to forgo the remaining two years of eligibility and enter the NFL draft. He finished his spectacular career at Florida State career with a 27-1 record.
Jameis Winston stayed in the state of Florida as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him first overall in the 2015 NFL Draft. During his debut season in Tampa Bay, he made the PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team and was named to the Pro Bowl. In 2019, Winston led the league in passing yards with 5,109.
Winston signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2020 and became a backup. After four seasons with the team, he signed with the Cleveland Browns last offseason. He started seven games this past season, filling in for injured Browns starter Deshaun Watson.
Does Signing Winston Make Sense?
Richardson, who Indy drafted fourth overall in 2023, hasn’t had a great first two seasons in the league. He has been bitten hard by the injury bug and has had major accuracy issues. It’s unclear whether he’ll ever become the Colts franchise quarterback.
Jameis Winston, of course, can’t help Richardson stay healthy. But he’s certainly good enough to push Richardson and help make him better. Winston had a few great moments during the 2024 campaign. Week 8 was a good example. The Browns upset Lamar Jackson’s Baltimore Ravens as Winston threw for 334 yards and three touchdowns in the 29-24 victory.
Joe Flacco, Richardson’s primary backup, is set to be a free agent. If he leaves, Winston would be an ideal replacement for the former Super Bowl MVP. So yes, signing him makes sense for the Colts.
Main Photo: Jenna Watson – Imagn Images
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