Before Deshaun Watson was traded to the Cleveland Browns, the Saints were also thought to be interested. Jameis Winston now stated that he is thankful for those rumors.

Munich – In week eight of last season, Jameis Winston tore his ACL. The quarterback is expected to be fit again for the start of training camp and lead the New Orleans Saints into the new season. Additional motivation was provided by the rumours surrounding the signing of Deshaun Watson.

The 28-year-old told local media that talks with the coaches had helped him personally: “There were some difficult conversations I had with our coaches. If they hadn’t tried to get Deshaun, I never would have been able to grow and have those conversations with those people.”

“I’m thankful that everything went the way it did. We had to have these conversations that I didn’t really want to have and neither did they,” Winston continued.

Jameis Winston: Highly motivated for the new season

Last season, Winston led the Saints to a 5-2 start before being sidelined by injury. There’s a good chance the franchise would have made the playoffs with him at quarterback

The No. 1 pick in the 2015 draft is highly motivated for the new season. “I’m excited to have a full offseason with this team. I’m happy I’m not going into training camp with any doubts. I’m going to do everything I can to make sure we succeed and I hope everyone in the organisation sees it.”

It was only in recent weeks that the Saints announced they were no longer planning on using Taysom Hill as their backup quarterback. Hill will be used as a tight end next season. Winston can recommend himself for another contract with good performances. To do so, however, he must remain injury-free this year.