| With Luke Johnson By now, you probably know a couple of things: The New Orleans Saints aggressively pursued former Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, and when Watson ultimately chose the Cleveland Browns, the Saints quickly pivoted to Jameis Winston. Monday, Winston spoke the the Saints media corps for the first time since he tore his ACL against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 8 of the last season — and, therefore, for the first time since he signed a two-year contract to return to the Saints. And Winston addressed that elephant in the room: What it meant to him to know he was the Saints' second option at quarterback. After skirting the issue the first couple times he was asked about it, he opened up about his feelings on the topic. Here's the gist of it: When it became clear he was New Orleans second choice, Winston simply wanted to know what it was the Saints valued about him. It was as honest an answer as Winston gave in a nearly 30-minute session with local reporters. Winston is clearly motivated and eager to prove what he can do in a full season (alongside a healthy Michael Thomas). That was the big news of the day, but at the moment I'm writing this newsletter from the parking lot of The Breakers resort in West Palm Beach. It was a quiet day on the Saints perspective from this glittering oceanfront property, but that should change Tuesday when head coach Dennis Allen meets reporters. He should have his own take on the Deshaun Watson/Jameis Winston saga. So stay tuned, keep reading, and don't be a stranger. We appreciate all your support. Cheers, Luke | 