The NFL Draft was this past weekend and New Orleans made a surprise move by picking Michigan offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz in the first round.
But it was the Saints’ news made the next day that really made headlines. The team re-signed quarterback Taysom Hill to a lucrative 2-year, $21 Million deal. They are also close to finalizing a 1-year deal with former Tampa Bay signal caller, Jameis Winston.
Hill is one of the most unique players in the NFL. He took at snaps at quarterback last year in a “slash” role, but also had 19 receptions (234 yards) and 27 rushing attempts (156 yards). He accounted for seven total touchdowns.
Most pundits expected Hill to replace Drew Brees as the starter next year when he’s expected to move to TV. But a Winston signing could change that. He threw for over 5,000 yards last year, albeit with a whopping 30 INTs. If coach Sean Payton can teach Winston the Saints system and reign him in on the picks, then perhaps Winston could take over as the starter next year.
How it affects the Future Odds.
New Orleans is +470 to win the NFC Conference at Winning Poker Network Sportsbooks. That’s third behind San Francisco (+405) and Tampa Bay (+446), and ahead of Dallas (+825) and Seattle (+951) in what is a very competitive conference overall.
The Saints’ road got a lot tougher when Tom Brady decided to take his talents to Tampa Bay. That makes the NFC South Division a lot more competitive than previously anticipated.
This latest news about New Orleans’ quarterbacks does not affect these future odds in my opinion. If either Winston or Hill are pushed into full time duty with say a Brees’ injury, then this team is in big trouble anyhow.
Brees is going to need to perform big in the playoffs (something he has failed to do recently) for the Saints to live up to these future odds.
