NFL free agency 2021: Best quarterbacks available

2. Jameis Winston

It’s easy to make jokes about Winston’s off-the-field issues or propensity to throw interceptions. None of that changes the reality that he’s still a very talented quarterback. It remains to be seen how much spending one year with Sean Payton in New Orleans might have improved his decision-making abilities.

The Saints’ decision to go with Taysom Hill as Drew Brees’ successor (assuming that’s still the case) will send Winston onto the open market looking for a starting job. His interception rate is going to make signing him a non-starter for conservative coaches. Anyone willing to take a chance on Winston needs to accept that it’s a risky signing.

The upside is significant though. He’s just 27 years of age which means his best days as a player are still ahead of him. He also has a personality that makes him a popular figure in the locker room. Betting on a likable guy with this much arm talent is something that will intrigue a lot of offensive coaches.

Don’t expect Winston to get a big deal to be a team’s unquestioned starter, but he could head into training camp as a team’s No. 1 if he waits until after the draft to sign. This may be his last opportunity to really cement himself as an NFL starter, but betting against this kind of talent is always risky.