Saints: Jameis Winston Is 'Ready To Uplift' Derek Carr; Still 'One of Those 32' Starters

Jameis Winston is a supportive backup for Derek Carr, but still considers himself as "one of the 32" starting quarterbacks in the NFL.

Not every former first-overall draft pick, nor starting quarterback, is capable of handling being relegated to a backup role, then watching the franchise offer a multi-million deal and coach's vote of confidence to the new starter. However, Jameis Winston has handled the situation with grace and has been very supportive of Derek Carr since he arrived in New Orleans.

Winston drew from his experience with Ryan Fitzpatrick at Tampa Bay as an example of being a veteran backup today with the Saints.

"Ryan Fitzpatrick...He had a just a fun personality, and that's my role here," Jameis told reporters at Saints Camp.  "We got a young quarterback in Jake. A veteran quarterback, in Derek.  And my role is to come to work every single day, give it my best, and be able to cater to those guys so we can lift each other up and go higher."  

Winston immediately embraced his new role and formed a relationship with Derek Carr. "It's been fun, man.  Like, my favorite thing about him.  He's an excellent man of god. He's a fun-loving guy.  Great energy.  Very easy to talk to. It's just good coming to work every single day and know that your quarterback is approachable and he's just a fun guy."

Jameis told Saints News Network before the HBCU Legacy Bowl in February that he wanted to re-sign with the Saints.  The signing was relatively easy for the signal-caller entering his ninth NFL season.  " I'm grateful for this opportunity to be the quarterback here," Winston pointed out.  "And I know I'm not finished here.  I love this city.  I love the fans.   I love y'all guys [the media] on most of the days," he said kiddingly.  "It's a privilege to be in the NFL. And anytime you have an opportunity to be a quarterback.  Especially 1 of the 32, and I do know that I'm still one of those 32.  It's just my role here is to help uplift our one [Derek Carr] so he can get us to Super Bowl.  Right?  And I love that."

Jameis believes he still can be a starting quarterback someday and somewhere in the league, and he has a point.  Injuries, benchings, and falling out of favor with a new coach could happen.  New Orleans learned the valuable lesson of having a veteran backup in the last several seasons — i.e., Teddy Bridgewater, Jameis Winston, and Andy Dalton.

Veteran quarterbacks have a role, but they can also make an impact in the locker room, the huddle, and on the field.  Former Bucs quarterbacks Ryan Fitzpatrick (10 teams) and Doug Williams made a career of being journeymen starters in the NFL.  Williams, in relief of an injured Jay Schroeder, to win Super Bowl XXII over John Elway and the favorites, Denver Broncos. Could Jameis fit the mold?

"Every single day, I'm looking for a way to improve. Whether that's on the field or off the field — you have to continue to move forward, and you have to continue to get better."  For now, Winston is in a great position with the Saints. He's healthy, humble, hungry, and ready to help New Orleans win at the highest level.