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The deal, first reported by Fox Sports and confirmed by ESPN sources, sees the 31-year-old quarterback join the Giants after a week of speculation. Winston himself confirmed the signing with a post on his X account, writing, “Start spreading the neWs,” accompanied by an apple emoji, signifying his excitement about joining the New York-based team.
Giants Pivot to Winston After Missing Out on Rodgers and Stafford
The Giants did evaluate some other marquee-type quarterbacks before the decision to sign Winston. Earlier in the offseason, they had shown interest in Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford but could not land either one. Stafford decided to stay with the Rams, while Rodgers had a recent visit with the Steelers, leaving Winston as the Giants' recourse.
Jameis Winston could be a Mentor to an Incoming Rookie QB
With the signing of Winston, the Giants will most likely also add a young quarterback through the draft. Currently, New York holds the third selection in the 2025 NFL Draft and intends to take a franchise-caliber quarterback with it. Giants co-owner John Mara reiterated that finding a long-term answer at quarterback is the team’s number one priority this offseason.
The Giants are expected to sign competition for the starting position, with Winston and Tommy DeVito being the only quarterbacks under contract.
Winston's 2024 Season with the Browns
In 2024, Winston was with the Cleveland Browns, first as the backup for Deshaun Watson and then as the starter following Watson's season-ending Achilles injury suffered in the seventh week. He had several important wins, including upsetting the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers, and threw for a franchise-record 497 yards in a loss against the Denver Broncos in Week 13.
Jameis Winston would show signs of brilliance but falter in the bouts due to inconsistency, tossing eight interceptions in his past three games until two interceptions and a benching in Week 16. He finished the 2024 NFL season completing 61.1% of his passes for 2,121 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Barkley’s Influence on Winston’s Decision
Interestingly, Winston’s decision to join the Giants was influenced by a conversation with Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley during Super Bowl week. While working as a media correspondent, Winston asked Barkley where he should sign, to which Barkley replied, “New York.” Winston later confirmed his interest, stating, “Would I really sign with the Giants? Absolutely! I want to keep playing and do what I do best.”
Winston’s NFL Journey So Far
The 6-foot-4, 230-pound quarterback was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After five seasons in Tampa, he then signed with the New Orleans Saints, where he spent four seasons before joining the Browns a year ago.
In 10 seasons in the NFL, Winston has appeared in 105 games, 87 of them as a starter; passing for 24,225 yards; throwing for 154 scores and 111 picks; and completed passes at a 61.2% clip.
Giants Still Eyeing Long-Term QB Solution
While Winston's recruiting gives the Giants an experience under-center presence, who can adequately groom any kind of rookie quarterback, their search for a long-term fix with someone under-center is anything but over. Winston remains a solid stopgap and veteran presence while the attention shifts toward whoever the Giants elect to take with their No. 3 pick in the draft.
As the Giants look down the road toward their next possible franchise quarterback, Winston's experience and leadership could play an essential role in the transition.
