The New Orleans Saints have been struggling to find a receiver who can replace the production of Michael Thomas, but they might have found their guy in undrafted free agent Austin Carr.
Jameis Winston Gushes About Undrafted Receiver Who Is Making Saints Fans Forget About Michael Thomas is a story about the New Orleans Saints wide receiver, Michael Thomas. It talks about how the player has been making fans forget about his predecessor, Michael Thomas.
Jameis Winston and Tayson Hill are still battling for the starting quarterback position with the New Orleans Saints. Winston is receiving a huge lift from undrafted wide receiver Marquez Callaway, who is doing all he can to distract Saints fans from the Michael Thomas controversy and may be helping Winston gain an edge in the quarterback battle.
Callaway has had a fantastic preseason. Winston, who seems to realize how crucial the undrafted wideout has been to his prospects of securing the starting position, has heaped praise on him.
The Saints are still debating whether to go with Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill.
(Asked about his timeline for selecting the starting quarterback.)
August 23, 2024 — Deuce Windham (@RevDeuceWindham)
Before Monday’s preseason game, Saints head coach Sean Payton was asked when the club will select a starting quarterback. According to Payton, the choice may be made at the last minute.
Drew Brees’ retirement has resulted in a quarterback battle in New Orleans. Brees was the Saints’ quarterback for 15 seasons until announcing his retirement earlier this year.
The Saints acted swiftly to create alternatives for themselves. They re-signed Taysom Hill to a new contract that contained voidable years and freed up cap room for the club. New Orleans also signed Jameis Winston to a one-year contract after the No. 1 overall selection performed well as a backup last season.
Last season, Hill started four games as quarterback in lieu of Brees, who was out with fractured ribs and other ailments. He completed almost 72% of his throw attempts, but just four touchdowns, for a total quarterback rating of 58.8. (QBR).
Winston hasn’t started a game since 2019, and during the regular season and playoffs in 2024, he only threw 12 passes. In terms of arm talent and previous starting experience, the 27-year-old has a greater potential than Hill. His turnover-prone approach, on the other hand, may be problematic for a Saints club that used to take care of the ball with Brees at the helm.
Even if Payton can’t make up his decision, the link between Winston and a rising star is causing a stir in New Orleans.
Winston commends Marquez Callaway for seizing the chance in the absence of Michael Thomas.
Michael Thomas, a wide receiver with the New Orleans Saints, is one of the finest at his position. In the last year, he’s also been the center of a lot of controversy.
Thomas lost time last season due to injury and has been sidelined this preseason with a sore ankle after electing to have surgery later than expected. He earlier expressed a wish to be traded, but those requests seem to have been met. Regardless, Thomas’ absence has been a major talking point in the Saints’ preseason.
Marquez Callaway is unconcerned.
With Thomas and Tre’Quan Smith out with injury, the 23-year-old is receiving increased playing time. With eight receptions for 165 yards in the first two preseason games, he has made the most of his time. Winston was impressed by Callaway’s performance during Monday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and raved about the undrafted wideout.
Winston told Pro Football Talk, “I believe [Marquez Callaway] is simply a great football player.” “I mean, he wasn’t selected, was he? Who was it that lost out on that guy? I’m glad we were able to secure him. It says a lot about our company and how they view talent. The thing about him, man, it’s like we’re playing little league football when he’s out there. He is enamored with it, and he has no fear in his heart. He exudes exceptional vigor. He’s out there on the football field.”
On Monday night, Callaway was particularly outstanding. Winston and Callaway connected for a stunning 43-yard touchdown, with Winston putting the ball in the breadbasket and Callaway battling off pass interference. Later in the first quarter, Callaway scored his second touchdown with a one-handed catch.
The Saints seem to have discovered their diamond in the rough in Marquez Callaway, whose stellar performance on Monday may have pushed Jameis Winston ahead of Taysom Hill for the starting position.
New Orleans’ starter quarterback and next big receiver may be on the way.
Winston’s relationship with Callaway may lead to his being named the starting quarterback | Chris Graythen/Getty Images
After Monday night’s performance, Sean Payton will have a hard time denying Jameis Winston the starting position.
Winston and Taysom Hill entered Monday’s game on virtually equal footing. Winston immediately came out and went 9-for-10 for 157 yards and two touchdowns. Hill completed 11 of 20 passes for 138 yards and a score, but Winston’s explosiveness and the quality of his throws were the difference-makers.
Winston’s relationship to Callaway may possibly play a factor in Payton’s decision to start the former No. 1 overall selection. Because Michael Thomas will miss time during the regular season, the Saints will need someone who can stretch the defense and make plays. Callaway is a good match for the job.
Winston’s chances of winning the starting quarterback position are improving, due in part to Callaway’s development as a genuine receiving threat.
Pro Football Reference and NFL.com provided the statistics.
Sean Payton and the Saints Face an Impossible Decision RELATED: Sean Payton and the Saints Face an Impossible Decision
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