Green Bay Packers signing Jameis Winston would make a lot of sense

Jameis Winston is a promising, albeit irregular, quarterback, and the missing ingredient to a successful career might be found in Green Bay

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced the signing of Tom Brady, arguably the best quarterback of all time, for the 2020 season, everybody had the same follow-up question: “What will happen with starting QB Jameis Winston?” To this day, the young gunslinger is still a free agent, but there are teams in the League that could represent an interesting landing spot for Winston, and perhaps the best option could be none other than the Green Bay Packers.

Tim Hasselbeck, the former NFL quarterback, and current ESPN analyst, recently mentioned that the Packers getting Winston would be ideal for both sides. Of course, one should let go of the fact that the former Buc seems dead set on remaining a starter, but the Wisconsin team could represent a big opportunity for him to reinvent himself and get his groove back.

Learning from the legendary Aaron Rodgers, widely considered as one of the smartest and most reliably consistent QBs that have ever graced the field, could be all he needs to get where his enormous potential and serious skills suggested from the time he entered the NFL, back in 2015.

We also need to mention that Rodgers, despite having a solid 2019, where he even led the Packers to the NFC Championship game, is not getting any younger. At 36 years old, retirement has become a possibility, and Green Bay really has no contingency plan for when this happens. They need a backup quarterback with star power and lots of energy, and current backups Tim Boyle and Manny Wilkins just don’t cut it. Winston, with his spectacular passing and mobility, could be the perfect fit, if he’s willing to join in as QB number 2.

Jameis Winston’s 2019 season with the Buccaneers was wild and incredibly inconsistent. Yes, the impressive arm and playmaking abilities are there, as he racked up 5,109 yards and 33 touchdowns, but at the same time, he accumulated a whopping 30 interceptions, ultimately becoming a liability for the team’s system, in spite of the stellar offense.

Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean that all is lost. Winston could recover from both his negative record and his relegation to backup with the Packers. It has happened before; Teddy Bridgewater, who spent the last two years as second-fiddle to star veteran Drew Brees, is now a $63 million-dollar-worth starter for the Carolina Panthers. He took advantage of his big opportunity when Brees fell injured, going 5-1 for the Saints as a starter, which suggests that he truly learned from the champ signal-caller as his understudy.

Jameis Winston, with his considerable talent, physicality, and speed, could follow Bridgewater’s steps, learn what he needs from Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers’ Matt LaFleur-managed offense, and get his career back on track. Besides, the Pacs’ have always been known for the great protection provided by their solid offensive line, and this may be what Winston needs to boost his confidence and better plan his attack.

This move could be a win-win for both sides if they come to terms; all it needs is for Winston to lower his price a bit and accept his new role as an understudy.