Report: Jameis Winston Named QB1 For New Orlean Saints Over Taysom Hill
Aug 27, 2021, 10:06 AM
Quarterback Jameis Winston #2 of the New Orleans Saints shares a smile as he greets teammate quarterback Taysom Hill #7 during the second half of their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Jameis Winston was named the Saints’ starting quarterback to open the 2021 NFL regular season. Winston beat out former BYU quarterback Taysom Hill for the Saints’ QB1 job, according to multiple reports.
The news was first reported by Adam Schefter on Friday morning.
Jameis Winston has been named the Saints' starting quarterback and will make his first start for New Orleans on opening day vs. Green Bay Packers, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 27, 2021
After Drew Brees announced his retirement following the 2020 campaign, Winston and Hill were the primary candidates to take over New Orleans’ offense.
Jameis Winston has up to $7M available via incentives this season, tied to a variety of factors including playing time, passing statistics and team success. His path to reach those various incentives became clearer today.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 27, 2021
Hill will serve as Winston’s backup and likely return to the Swiss Army knife, do-it-all role that he’s played in Payton’s offense for the majority of his four seasons in the NFL.
Last season, Hill started his first games as an NFL QB during a stretch that Brees missed due to injury.
In 2020, Hill threw for 928 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions.
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During his four seasons in the league, the former Cougar standout has passed for 1,047 yards, four TDs, and three INTs.
In addition to throwing the football, the Saints have utilized Hill’s athleticism and played him at multiple positions. During his career, Hill has run the ball 151 times for 809 yards and 11 touchdowns. He’s also pulled in 30 receptions for 336 yards and seven touchdowns.
Through two preseason games in August, Hill was a combined 19/32 for 209 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
🎯 @T_Hill4 to @LJ_Humphrey23
TOUCHDOWN SAINTS! ⚜️#Saints | 📺: ESPN pic.twitter.com/opgmaSUfjC
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 24, 2021
The Saints open the regular season against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, September 12 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT). The game will broadcast on FOX.
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
