The New York Giants have reportedly secured their veteran bridge quarterback. The two sides are finalizing a two-year, $8 million deal with incentives that could raise the total value to $16 million.
Throughout the offseason, the Giants have been focused on finding an experienced quarterback, with Tommy DeVito being the only QB currently on the 90-man roster.
The team attempted to orchestrate a blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Rams for Matthew Stafford but was unsuccessful. They also considered former Green Bay Packers and New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but after his visit with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday, it seems the Giants decided to move on from that pursuit.
Additionally, the Giants were linked to Russell Wilson, who became a free agent after playing last season with the Steelers. They also hosted veteran Joe Flacco for a visit.
Ultimately, the Giants chose Winston to fill the role.
The 31-year-old Jameis Winston was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He spent five seasons with the Bucs, followed by four years with the New Orleans Saints, and most recently played for the Cleveland Browns during the 2024 season.
Winston has appeared in 105 regular season games, posting a 36-51 record as a starting quarterback. Known for his unpredictable playstyle, he has been described as a quarterback who can keep both teams in a game at the same time. During the 2024 season with the Browns, he had a standout performance, throwing for 497 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions in a single game.
NFL insider Mike Garafolo also reported that the Giants have not completely ruled out the possibility of pursuing Aaron Rodgers.
Winston is known for his magnetic personality, which contrasts sharply with that of Daniel Jones. However, former teammates have spoken highly of him, particularly praising his qualities as a teammate.
Given Winston’s experience as a top pick in the draft and his career filled with both highs and lows, he could serve as an invaluable mentor for any young quarterback the Giants may select in the upcoming draft.
On the topic of the draft, signing Winston doesn’t appear to alter the Giants’ strategy when it comes to addressing the quarterback position through their draft plans.
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