The New York Giants have made a notable move in free agency by signing veteran quarterback Jameis Winston to a two-year contract worth $8 million, with incentives that could increase the deal’s value to $16 million. The decision signals a transitional phase for the Giants, who are clearly searching for stability and leadership under center following the departure of Daniel Jones, the former first-round pick who was released in November 2024.
Winston, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, is set to bring a decade of NFL experience to the Giants’ quarterback room. Over the course of his career, Winston has accumulated more than 24,000 passing yards and 154 touchdowns. Known for his strong arm and aggressive playstyle, he also has a reputation for being turnover-prone, which has led to both exciting highs and frustrating lows throughout his career.
In 2024, Winston served as a backup with the Cleveland Browns but was thrust into a starting role after Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending injury. Winston performed admirably in relief, throwing for over 2,100 yards and 13 touchdowns in just seven starts. His ability to step in and manage the offense helped keep the Browns competitive, which seemingly impressed the Giants’ front office.
At the time of Winston’s signing, Tommy DeVito was the only other quarterback on the Giants’ roster. While DeVito showed flashes of promise during the 2023 season, the team clearly wanted to add a more experienced presence to mentor young players and potentially start while the organization assesses its long-term plans at the position.
What makes this signing even more interesting is the context surrounding the Giants’ draft situation. New York holds the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and is widely expected to select a quarterback from what is considered a deep and talented class. Winston’s contract, modest in value and short in duration, suggests he’s being viewed as a stopgap or bridge quarterback — someone who can start early in the season while a rookie develops behind the scenes.
The move is a low-risk, high-upside play for a team that has lacked quarterback consistency in recent years. Winston’s experience and familiarity with various offensive systems give the Giants a capable starter or reliable backup depending on how the rest of the offseason plays out. Additionally, the performance-based incentives built into his contract could help motivate Winston to perform at a high level, knowing he could nearly double his salary with a strong showing.
Ultimately, this deal reflects a pragmatic approach by the Giants. By adding a seasoned veteran like Winston, they protect themselves in case they can’t immediately develop or rely on a rookie quarterback. It also adds competition to the quarterback room, which could elevate the overall level of play. Whether Winston becomes the starter or serves in a mentorship role, his presence gives the Giants valuable flexibility heading into a pivotal 2025 season.
