Why Saints Won't, and Shouldn't, Trade Jameis Winston

There has been fan speculation, but no reputable rumors, that the Saints could trade Jameis Winston to an NFC rival. Here's why it won't, and shouldn't, happen.

Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins injured his Achilles in a win over Green Bay on Sunday. It was confirmed on Monday that Cousins will miss the rest of the 2023-24 season. 

After losing their first three games, the Vikings have won their last three and four of five to even their record at 4-4. They are two games behind the Detroit Lions for the NFC North lead. Minnesota is also tied with the 4-4 New Orleans Saints for what would be the NFC's third wild-card spot if the season ended today. The Vikings are in the thick of the playoff race after many thought they'd deal off some of their talent at the trade deadline. 

Minnesota currently has two quarterbacks on their roster. Rookie fifth-round choice Jaren Hall finished the fourth quarter after Cousins went down, completing three of four passes for 23 yards. Eight-year veteran Sean Mannion is also on their practice squad. Mannion, 31, has been with the team for four seasons and has started two games as an injury replacement. 

With the NFL trade deadline on October 31, many have speculated that the Vikings would trade for a quarterback. One name that has been thrown around as a possible candidate is New Orleans Saints backup QB Jameis Winston. 

Dec 25, 2020; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) looks to throw against the New Orleans Saints. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY

To be fair, this has only been fan speculation. There hasn't been a single rumor about Winston, or anyone else, linked to the Vikings by the Saints or any reputable media sources. Still, it makes a lot of sense from the Minnesota side.

The Vikings have a talented offense. Whoever is behind center will have WRs Justin Jefferson (currently on injured reserve), Jordan Addison, K.J. Osborn, TE T.J. Hockenson, RBs Alexander Mattison and Cam Akers, along with a skilled offensive line. A productive passer like Jameis Winston would undoubtedly put up gaudy numbers with this talent around him.

On paper, dealing Winston might also make sense for the Saints. Derek Carr is their unquestioned starter, despite ups and downs through the first eight games. New Orleans currently owns just five picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. They have picks in the first, second, fifth, and two in the sixth rounds with three other compensatory picks projected (but not guaranteed) between the fourth and sixth rounds.

A talent like Winston, especially given the demand, could even bring back a Day 2 draft pick or multiple conditional choices in return. However, there are two huge reasons why the Saints won't trade Jameis Winston, especially to the Vikings. 

1. Winston is more valuable to the Saints as a backup than as a trade asset

Sept. 24, 2023; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY

Jameis Winston is arguably the most talented backup quarterback in the NFL. There are several teams (Cardinals, Falcons, Giants, Washington, Raiders, Titans, Patriots) where he would have been a significant upgrade over their starters coming into the season. That list grew larger with injuries to starters in New York (Jets), Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Minnesota. 

Nine teams, counting the Vikings this coming week, have already started their backups for at least one game this season. Only 10 of the 32 teams used the same starter for all 17 games in 2022.

The Saints recognize this importance. In the 34 games since Drew Brees retired prior to this season, five different players started at quarterback. Even in the last two years with Brees, the Saints needed a backup for nine games. Carr has made every start for New Orleans this season, but Winston was forced to finish Week 3 against Green Bay after Carr injured his shoulder. 

Winston has proven to be a productive NFL passer, a respected teammate, extra sideline experience, and a player who knows the system. If the Saints were to deal Winston now, they'd only have rookie fourth-round choice Jake Haener and versatile weapon Taysom Hill if something were to happen to Carr. Haener couldn't even be around the team for the first six weeks of the regular season because of an NFL suspension. 

2. New Orleans plays Minnesota

Sep 11, 2022; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY

The Minnesota Vikings host the New Orleans Saints in just two weeks, on November 12. Historically, the Vikings have been a major thorn to the Saints, especially in Minnesota. They've handed New Orleans some of the most devastating losses in franchise history. 

Hypothetically, if Winston were traded to Minnesota, he'd almost certainly be ready to suit up against his former team in Week 10. Winston has been with New Orleans for four years. It's a system, both offense and defense, that he knows well.

It's obviously possible that the Saints tweek their system and change their audibles in this scenario. We see teams do this all the time against a familiar foe. With the struggles New Orleans has had this season, especially on offense, the last thing they should do is give an opponent an extra advantage. 

Frankly, it doesn't make sense to trade Winston to the Vikings, thereby helping a team they could be in direct contention with for a playoff spot. Even if he doesn't see significant playing time for New Orleans in 2023, Jameis Winston is more valuable as a member of the Saints than what he would bring back in a trade.