Despite signing a contract with the New York Giants, former Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston could be a trade candidate this upcoming season. According to Pro Football Focus, they believe the Giants might be willing to send Winston in a possible trade at the right time. New York has plenty to work with at the quarterback position between veteran Russell Wilson and rookie Jaxson Dart, which leaves Winston as the presumptive QB3 for this upcoming campaign. Since he might not get much attention with the Giants, it could be wise to trade him while he’s healthy and has value.
Originally selected in the 2015 NFL Draft, the former Florida State product spent the majority of his career as a quarterback journeyman after leaving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. Despite setting franchise rookie records and leading the league in passing yards in his last season with the team, it wasn’t enough for him to secure a job anymore in Tampa Bay. If an NFL team loses its top quarterback, Winston might be the trade candidate they are looking for, so this will be something to watch as the 2025 campaign progresses. Last year, Winston proved that he still has a strong arm, recording a 69.5 PFF passing grade with the Cleveland Browns, so these four teams could target Winston if their offenses collapse.
Breaking: Former Buccaneers First Rounder Jameis Winston Named Trade Candidate – 4 Suitors Emerge
Potential Next Teams
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints have one of the worst quarterback units in the league after losing Derek Carr to retirement. Between Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler, they might not reach the playoffs, at least for another five seasons under head coach Kellen Moore. They must attempt to get a veteran to guide these signal-callers, and Winston’s return to New Orleans could be perfect timing for both sides. He might not be their long-term answer, but it gives the Saints more breathing room to help Shough and Rattler get better as quarterbacks.
Dallas Cowboys
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys have high expectations for Dak Prescott, who is coming off his season-ending injury last year, and being that he’s on the hot seat, his job isn’t necessarily safe. The team trading for former Patriots quarterback Joe Milton is an example of that. However, the team is still in the market for at least a veteran signal-caller if they lose Prescott again in the middle of the season and Winston could save this offense by at least keeping them afloat.
Carolina Panthers
Just like the Cowboys, the Carolina Panthers are expecting quarterback Bryce Young, especially when they have a deep group of wide receivers for him to succeed. Head Coach Dave Canales wasn’t afraid to bench Young last year, and this is likely the case if he doesn’t see any improvement. Winston is arguably a better backup than Andy Dalton to lead a team to a playoff, so a trade could be possible here if Young can’t live up to the Carolina hype.
Cleveland Browns
It’s really anyone’s quarterback job up for grabs in Cleveland. Shedeur Sanders will start the preseason while Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel are nursing injuries. Winston returning to Cleveland makes since if they continue to get hit with the injury bug.
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