10-year veteran quarterback Jameis Winston signed a new two-year, $8 million contract with the New York Giants. Winston, the first-overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, spent the 2024 season with the Cleveland Browns but has also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints.
Jameis Winston, New York Giants, Agree to Contract
Winston spent the 2024 season as the primary quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. Starting the season as the backup, Winston earned the starting job after Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. Bringing some life to the passing attack, Winston appeared in 12 games while making seven starts. While on the field, the quarterback completed 61.1% of his passes for 2,121 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. While he had his moments, Cleveland benched him following a disastrous Week 15 performance against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Jameis Winston originally entered the league as the first-overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Florida State product immediately earned the starting job and put up a promising season. Starting in all 16 games, Winston finished his inaugural season with 4,042 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, and a Pro Bowl selection.
The Florida State product remained the starter throughout his rookie contract and became infamous for his volatile play. This high-risk, high-reward style of quarterbacking peaked in 2019 when he completed 380 of his 626 passes for a league-high 5,109 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions. Following the expiration of his rookie contract, then-head coach Bruce Arians decided to part ways with Jameis Winston and move forward with Tom Brady.
Winston quickly signed with the New Orleans Saints to back up Drew Brees and potentially be the heir to his throne. Following the future Hall of Famer’s retirement in 2021, Winston had his chance to prove himself. The quarterback played well in 2021, going 5-2 before tearing his ACL and prematurely ending his season. Head coach Sean Payton retired after the season, leaving Dennis Allen to lead the team. While Winston was the Week 1 starter in 2022, backup Andy Dalton and his safer style of play soon took the job.
Main Photo: Tommy Gilligan – USA Today Sports
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