Saints reportedly try to get Jameis Winston to stay on a renegotiated contract

Earlier this week, the New Orleans Saints found their new starting quarterback in Derek Carr. Now they’re trying to see whether their old starter would be willing to stay at a reduced price. 

According to an ESPN report, New Orleans has been in contact with Jameis Winston about renegotiating his contract so he can stay in New Orleans for the 2023 season. 

Winston signed a two-year, $28 million deal last spring, and is set to count $15.6 million against the 2023 salary cap. Reworking the deal would lower that number significantly. 

It’s not clear yet whether Winston would agree to a pay cut, but if he doesn’t the Saints seem primed to move on before the start of free agency. 

If the Saints outright released Winston, he would count $11.2 million against the salary cap in dead money. The Saints could save $12.8 million by designating Winston a post-June 1 cut, but they would then be on the hook for his entire $15.6 million cap hit until June 2.