After weeks of anticipation, the New York Giants secured veteran quarterback depth on Friday when they agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with Jameis Winston.
Winston had met with the team earlier in the month but left the building without a contract. With Aaron Rodgers still undecided between the Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, or possibly retirement, New York moved forward with the former first-overall pick from the 2015 NFL Draft.
Although rumors persist that the Giants may still pursue Rodgers, that scenario seems increasingly unlikely now that they’ve secured their backup quarterback. Winston brings critical elements that have been missing from this offense, making him an ideal fit for what the team needs right now.
Can get ball downfield to Malik Nabers
The 31-year-old quarterback won’t just inject excitement with his vibrant personality — he’ll generate explosive plays in the passing game that have been conspicuously absent since Eli Manning’s retirement.
No player stands to benefit more from Winston’s arrival than wide receiver Malik Nabers. The rookie sensation shattered franchise records with 109 receptions last season, accumulating 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns.
The one disappointment in Nabers’ rookie campaign was his modest 11 yards per reception — a direct result of erratic quarterback play and an inability to connect downfield. That limitation vanishes with Winston under center.
Winston possesses a cannon arm and consistently challenges defenses vertically, taking multiple deep shots every game. As a direct result, Nabers’ yards-per-catch average should climb significantly this season, while Darius Slayton appears primed for his most productive year yet.
Will be ready for whatever role Giants needs him to play
The most valuable aspect of Winston joining the Giants is his adaptability to whatever role the organization requires. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him first overall in the 2015 NFL Draft, where he started 70 games across his first five seasons. He then transitioned into a backup role with the New Orleans Saints for four seasons before serving as Cleveland’s reserve quarterback last year.
The Giants will almost certainly select a quarterback in next month’s draft — likely Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, or Jaxson Dart. What remains unclear is whether Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen intend to start the rookie immediately or allow Winston to lead the offense until the newcomer is prepared to take control.
The coaching staff’s direction probably won’t crystallize until training camp. Regardless of his assignment, the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner will embrace it wholeheartedly. He’ll readily mentor the rookie quarterback, helping them navigate the pressures of being a high draft pick while facilitating their development into an NFL-caliber signal-caller.
Will give Giants locker room boost with energy and leadership
Anyone who has heard Winston’s soundbites knows he brings contagious energy and charisma. More importantly, he embodies team-first principles and demonstrates leadership through motivational pregame speeches. This quality was evident last season when he orchestrated two upset victories for the Browns — defeating the Baltimore Ravens 29-24 in Week 8 and the Steelers 24-19 in Week 12.
The Giants lost a significant vocal leadership presence when Saquon Barkley departed. Though Winston doesn’t match Barkley’s on-field impact, he’ll fill the leadership void that was glaringly apparent last season.
Never underestimate the value of strong vocal leadership in an NFL locker room. This intangible quality could ultimately prove Winston’s most valuable contribution to Big Blue’s resurgence.