Payton: Winston earned Saints' starting QB job

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton made it official after the preseason: Jameis Winston will begin the year as the team's starting quarterback.

"Jameis is going to be our starter. He's done a great job, he's earned that," Payton said Tuesday, per Saints staff writer John DeShazier.

Winston and Taysom Hill were pit against one another in a quarterback competition to determine who would succeed retired legend Drew Brees. They each started one preseason game, and Winston emerged as the clear winner after throwing two long touchdown passes against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Aug. 23.

"Both he and Taysom competed their tails off. It's always difficult when you don't have the full offseason that you're looking for or the full preseason, but we feel real good about that room," Payton said. "We've got four players that are going to be a part of that room. I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate how those guys have handled it."

Payton pointed to a number of Winston's strengths when discussing how the former first overall draft pick won the job.

"The No. 1 thing is leading your offense and moving the ball and scoring points. We fell like he's got the unique skill set with his arm talent where he can get the ball down the field," Payton said. "He's done a really good job of working through some of the progressions."

While it's disappointing news for Hill, the Saints still envision an important role for the Swiss Army knife. Hill has seen time as a runner, tight end, and special teams specialist during his three-plus seasons in New Orleans.

"I've got a very clear vision relative to how he's going to help us this year, no different than the vision we have with Jameis," Payton said. "Those two are both going to be extremely important if we're to play well and win games this year."