That would be after free agency and after the draft when those resources would be put to the best use. If they do use that designation, they’ll have to keep his $15.6 million cap hit on the books until June 2, when they get $12.8 million in savings. If the Saints cut Winston without using a post-June 1 designation, they’ll only save $4.4 million.
If he sees the opportunity to compete for a starting job somewhere it wouldn’t make much sense for him to stay in New Orleans and hold a clipboard all season.īut it does make sense from the team’s perspective to make this offer. But they included a hard deadline of March 15 - the start of free agency and the new league year - for him to make a decision, or else he’ll be released.Ĭould Winston hang around as Derek Carr’s backup? Maybe, but he’s probably going to scope out the free agent market. ESPN’s Dianna Russini reports that the New Orleans Saints have offered Jameis Winston a restructured contract to stay on the team for 2023.