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NFL free agent quarterback Jameis Winston, who played for the Cleveland Browns last fall, "absolutely" wants to play in 2025 and has spent the last few weeks combing over his options ahead of the NFL Draft in search of franchises in need of immediate help at the position. And after Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley suggested Winston entertain a possible deal with the New York Giants, it sounds like that could be coming to fruition.
"Free-agent QB Jameis Winston is scheduled to visit the Giants on Tuesday, per sources," NFL Network's Tom Pelissero wrote Monday on X. "While the New York braintrust waits for Aaron Rodgers' decision, it's continuing to visit with alternatives: Joe Flacco, Russell Wilson and now Winston, the former No. 1 overall pick."
The Giants, who finished 4-13 last season, don't have a quarterback on the roster and have been rumored to be a possible landing spot for Aaron Rodgers. They do have the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and moved to No. 1 with a trade in CBS Sports' latest mock, but Winston could still be a good option for the team.
"Would I really sign with the Giants? Absolutely!" Winston said at the Super Bowl, via NJ Advance Media. "I want to keep playing and do what I do best."
Winston, 31, finished last year with 2,121 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions with the Cleveland Browns. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft became the Browns' starter after an injury to Deshaun Watson. Winston, who signed a one-year deal before the 2024 season, was benched by the Browns before Week 16.
"I have a ton of respect for coach Brian Daboll, the things he does offensively," Winston told NJ Advance Media. "I think we have a young— woah! They have a young roster. But they have a young roster that's ready to win. They're ready to bounce back. I know they're hungry over there."
Before his time in the NFL, the former No. 1 overall pick shined as a dual-sport, Heisman winner at Florida State. From 2013-14 on the gridiron, Winston completed 66.0% of his passes for 7,964 yards, throwing 65 touchdowns to 28 interceptions. He led the Seminoles to a 2013 BCS National Championship victory and an appearance in the inaugural College Football Playoff the following season, where Florida State lost to Oregon.
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A former four-star recruit out of Hueytown (Ala.) High, Winston was the No. 26 player and No. 1 dual-threat quarterback from the Class of 2012. He was also the No. 3 player in Alabama. Winston was rated a five-star prospect by the industry-generated 247Sports Composite. He was the No. 16 player nationally in those rankings as well as the top dual-threat quarterback and player from Alabama.