The Minnesota Vikings are entering what could be a completely new era of football this offseason. Gone are head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman and there have been rumors that Kirk Cousins might be next. If the Vikings do move on from Cousins, could they consider taking a look at Jameis Winston in NFL free agency?
Winston is set to hit free agency after having a great start to the 2021 season with the New Orleans Saints. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL and ended his season way too early. However, his good start to the season might have been good enough to get him a shot with another team in 2022.
In the seven games that he was able to play, Winston ended up completing 59 percent of his pass attempts for 1,170 yards, 14 touchdowns, and three interceptions. He also picked up 166 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Those numbers show why a team like the Vikings should have interest in signing him to a one-year deal. If they choose to move Cousins and aren’t ready to hand the keys to a young quarterback like Kellen Mond, taking a flier on Winston would make perfect sense. Should he play really well, they could keep him, or they could let him walk after one year if he doesn’t impress.
At 28 years of age, Winston still has time left to turn things around. He has shown flashes of being a big-time player, but simply hasn’t been able to put consistency together just yet. If he hadn’t gotten hurt, this year was looking like the season he could do just that.
Not only would the Vikings likely be able to sign him to a one-year deal, Winston wouldn’t break the bank. He would simply come in at low salary and compete for a future in Minnesota. That is exactly what the Vikings need to find.
Minnesota may not have any interest in making this kind of a move. But, if they truly want to change things up, a move like this would be a perfect scenario.
Looking around the NFL, there are a few other suitors that could make sense for Winston. Simply returning to the Saints has to be an option, and teams like the Denver Broncos, Washington Football Team, and Pittsburgh Steelers could all make sense as well. The Vikings are one of a handful of teams that could be in the Jameis Winston market.
All of that being said, it will be interesting to see what the offseason has in store in Minnesota. They are looking to make some changes and the quarterback position will be an intriguing one to watch.
