BREAKING: Indianapolis Colts Sign Former Heisman Trophy Winner to compete with Anthony Richardson for the starting quarterback
Former Heisman Trophy Winner to join the Indianapolis Colts, either competing with Anthony Richardson for the starting quarterback job or stepping in if Richardson faces an injury (knock on wood).
Winston, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, was expected to become a superstar. While that hasn’t fully materialized, he’s still had a solid career. With a Pro Bowl appearance, three seasons over 4,000 passing yards (including one with 5,000), Winston has proven himself as a capable quarterback.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard recently suggested that the team would bring in competition for Richardson this offseason. The Colts have several quarterback options to consider: they could draft a prospect like Quinn Ewers from Texas or Will Howard from Ohio State, or they could sign a free agent such as Jacoby Brissett or Drew Lock. Winston, also a free agent, could be brought in to provide veteran leadership and depth to the quarterback room.
The Indianapolis Colts Could Sign Quarterback Jameis Winston This Offseason
His Football Career Thus Far
Jameis Winston is undoubtedly more recognized for his college achievements than his NFL career. Hailing from Alabama, he played college football at Florida State.
After redshirting in 2012, Winston became the Seminoles’ starting quarterback in 2013, leading the offense to an NCAA record of 723 points. That season, he threw for 4,057 yards and 40 touchdowns while also rushing for 219 yards and four touchdowns. His remarkable performance earned him the Heisman Trophy, along with the Walter Camp, Manning, and Archie Griffin Awards. Winston also guided Florida State to a National Championship, highlighted by a game-winning drive against Auburn in the title game.
In his redshirt sophomore season, Winston led the Seminoles to the inaugural College Football Playoff, though they fell to Oregon in the semifinals. Shortly after, Winston opted to forgo his final two years of eligibility and entered the NFL Draft. He ended his time at Florida State with an impressive 27-1 record.
Winston stayed in Florida when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him with the first overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. His debut season saw him named to the PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team and earn a Pro Bowl selection. In 2019, Winston led the NFL in passing yards with 5,109.
In 2020, Winston joined the New Orleans Saints as a backup. After four seasons with the Saints, he signed with the Cleveland Browns last offseason. He started seven games in 2024, stepping in for an injured Deshaun Watson.
Does Signing Winston Make Sense?
Anthony Richardson, whom the Colts drafted fourth overall in 2023, has had a rough start to his NFL career. Struggling with injuries and major accuracy issues, it remains uncertain if he will develop into the franchise quarterback Indianapolis hopes for.
While Jameis Winston can’t help Richardson stay healthy, he certainly has the potential to challenge Richardson for the starting role and push him to improve. Winston had some strong performances in 2024, with Week 8 standing out as an example. In a 29-24 upset over Lamar Jackson’s Baltimore Ravens, Winston threw for 334 yards and three touchdowns.
With Joe Flacco, Richardson’s primary backup, set to become a free agent, Winston would be a natural fit to step in as a reliable veteran option. Considering his experience and ability to perform at a high level, signing Winston would make a lot of sense for the Colts.