The New York Giants signed Jameis Winston to a two-year, $8 million deal that could be worth up to $16 million. The move adds an experienced veteran to the Giants’ quarterback room while the team continues to explore their options at the position.
Winston Finds a New Home With New York Giants
After initial reports listed the 49ers, Chargers, and Giants as three teams keeping an eye on Winston in free agency, Winston finally landed in New York on a two year deal.
During the Super Bowl 59 media week, Winston asked former-Giant Saquon Barkley where his next destination should be, and Barkley named the Giants as a potential fit. Perhaps Winston and the Giants took Barkley’s recommendation to heart en route to their new partnership.
😂 👏 @Jaboowins listened to @saquon
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) March 21, 2025
By all accounts, the Giants are getting a beloved teammate in Winston who will infuse the locker room with his energy, and pure passion for the game of football.
Start spreading the neWs 🍎
— Jameis Winston (@Jaboowins) March 21, 2025
“Start spreading the neWs,” Winston posted on X as his personal announcement and introduction to the New York Giants fans.
Winston is a ten-year NFL veteran known for his fearless, if not, dangerous playing style. Over the course of his career, he has totalled 24,225 passing yards with 154 touchdowns and 111 interceptions. Winston has a knack for making huge plays and pushing the ball downfield, but his turnover issue has prevented him from reaching his full potential as an NFL quarterback.
Winston earned a Pro Bowl nod in his 2015 rookie season where he threw for 4,042 yards, along with 22 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
His infamous 2019 campaign where he threw for over 5,000 yards, along with 33 touchdowns and 30 interceptions is one of the most up-and-down quarterback seasons of all time.
Winston’s best season came playing for Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints in 2021. After being given the keys to the Saints as Drew Brees’ successor, Winston had the Saints at 4-2, and had seemingly solved his turnover issue.
Winston was on his way to a career year with 1,170 yards, 14 touchdowns, and just three interceptions before suffering a season-ending injury in his return to Tampa Bay against the Buccaneers.
His success in Payton’s conservative system could serve as a blueprint for Brian Daboll and the Giants’ offensive coaching staff in trying to get the best football out of Winston.
True to his nature, Winston threw for 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions for the Browns last season. There were moments he had the offense firing on all cylinders, and moments he just couldn’t stop giving the ball to the other team.
Winston earned a 65.7 grade per PFSN’s QB+ metric in 2025, ranking No. 29 among NFL quarterbacks.
Giants Will Continue to Explore Quarterback Options
Signing Winston will not prevent the Giants from continuing to explore their options, either through free agency or the draft.
“This does not change the #Giants’ pursuit of Aaron Rodgers or alter any other possible QB routes,” shared NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo on X.
This does not change the #Giants’ pursuit of Aaron Rodgers or alter any other possible QB routes. Just getting a veteran QB under contract in a QB room that only had Tommy DeVito coming into the day. https://t.co/Rx6JruWVCa
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 21, 2025
The Giants continue to be all-in on Aaron Rodgers, but he recently visited with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Giants are wise to not bank on Rodgers choosing them over a Steelers roster that is already set up for playoff contention-especially after their recent acquisition of wide receiver DK Metcalf.
If they miss out on Rodgers, the Giants could also look toward the 2025 NFL Draft to add another quarterback. They hold the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and if they fall in love with one of the top quarterback prospects, they could decide to pull the trigger and pair their eventual franchise quarterback with Winston, a former No. 1 overall pick.
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With a decade of experience, a team-friendly attitude, and a unique perspective after not quite living up to his own early draft status, Winston is an ideal veteran to help mentor the team’s next young quarterback. He also brings the rare ability in a bridge quarterback to push the ball down the field and score points if he is called upon to play while the quarterback of the future is developed behind the scenes.
While the Giants will continue to explore their options, adding Winston is a promising start in revamping the Giants’ quarterback room.