Before the New York Giants signed quarterback Russell Wilson, the starting job temporarily belonged to Jameis Winston.
Winston, who signed a two-year, $8 million deal in March, was in East Rutherford before Wilson, and he’ll likely wear a Giants uniform for longer, too. Wilson’s one-year, $10.5 million contract may make him the starter, but as a multi-year backup, Winston is well-positioned to fulfill his role.
Winston chose New York after spending a year in Cleveland, spelling Deshaun Watson before being benched himself for Dorian Thompson-Robinson. All the while, he was unrelentingly himself, tossing impeccable touchdowns and confounding interceptions at a rate few can match.
Winston released a letter to Browns fans after signing with the Giants.
“Dear Cleveland, I’m so happy and grateful for everything we experienced together this past year. From day one, you welcomed my family and me with open arms — and for that, I’m forever thankful.
“To the Dawg Pound: You were electric, snow or shine, highs or lows, your energy never wavered, you reminded us all what loyalty, passion, and community really look like.
“This year was one of growth, service, and adaptability — not just for me personally, but for my family as well. And Cleveland, you played a major role in that. The spirit of this city, the heart of its people, and the bond we’ve built will always be with us.”
Winston’s shining moment in Cleveland was on national television, taking down Wilson during his torrid stretch with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Between Winston’s “consistently inconsistent” play, the mounting snow, and the memorable lines he casually dropped, it will be a win neither he nor Browns fans will soon forget.
“One moment I’ll never forget — beating the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football in what turned out to be the most iconic snow game in NFL history. The energy, the emotion, the unity — we all felt it. That night was Cleveland at its finest.”
Now in East Rutherford, Winston will once again look to lead, mentor, and reinforce his fourth quarterback room. It is yet to be seen if New York will take a rookie quarterback for him to teach, but both he and Wilson seemed open to the possibility.
As he endears himself to Giants fans, he wished the Cleveland faithful the best.
New York will visit one of his former teams, the New Orleans Saints, in 2025.