Winston: Pursuit of Saints back-up role a sign of maturity

NEW ORLEANS » The reeducation of Jameis Winston is beginning with the New Orleans Saints.

For now, the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner, 2015 top NFL draft choice and mercurial five-year starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers resembles an eager, enthusiastic and even humble student.

“Everyone needs those humble experiences,” said Winston, who in March saw his first NFL employer unceremoniously let him walk in free agency and replace him with six-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady. “It’s another chapter in my life that I’m going to learn from.”

Winston, who agreed to a one-year, $1.1 million contract with the Saints this week, hasn’t always been known for making the wisest choices.

There have been risky throws that resulted in an Nfl-high 30 interceptions last season, as well as behavior off the field that resulted in a three-game suspension the season before that.

Now, Winston says he’s sacrificed opportunities to earn more money and a starting job in order to gain wisdom about football, leadership and professionalism from recordsetting quarterback Drew Brees and offensive-minded coach Sean Payton.

“You’ve got to respect the game. The game will always be bigger than you,” Winston said Wednesday during a conference call, echoing comments he said he learned from mentor Derrick Brooks, a former Florida State and NFL star. “I didn’t think I’d be in this position this time last year, but God had a different plan and I’m excited for the plan that he has for me going forward.”

Winston became one of four quarterbacks on the Saints’ roster, along with Brees, utility player Taysom Hill and seventh-round draft choice Tommy Stevens.

“One thing I’m really excited to learn — the most exciting thing — the way this quarterback room functions,” Winston said. “What’s coach Payton’s approach to every week. What’s Drew’s approach. What’s Taysom doing in the room that I can add to my game. Just trying to find different things by serving this team and learning from everybody.”