Before the New York Giants signed quarterback Russell Wilson to start in 2025, they signed his backup Jameis Winston.
Perhaps the most entertaining non-starter in the league, Giants fans were enthralled at the idea that he might lead the quarterback room into the new season. Fun football at s fraction of the cost of most starters might not be a recipe for success, but it promised to be different than essentially every year of post-Eli Manning football.
Those dreams were put to rest when Wilson put pen to paper on a one-year, $10.5 million deal. However, Winston's contract – two years and $8 million – means he'll likely have a spot on the 2026 team, too, regardless of what happens in the meantime with Wilson.
On Thursday, Winston's full contract details were revealed by Dan Duggan as the Giants' offseason slows down.
According to Duggan, $5.3 million of Winston's contract is guaranteed and there are $8 million in unspecified incentives. He will cost $3 million against the cap in 2025 and $5 million in 2026.
If New York does decide to move on after 2025, releasing Winston would come with a reasonable $2.5 million dead cap hit. However, with Wilson signed to a one-year deal and a rookie quarterback on the way in April or the 2026 NFL Draft, the former first-overall pick should be the favorite to be a holdover on next year's squad.
Duggan also noted that, per the NFLPA, New York has the least cap space in the NFL ($1.9 million). That isn't necessarily an issue. The front office found its quarterback(s) and made several key additions to the secondary. Depth on both sides of the ball and special teams was addressed, too.
Don't expect the Giants to spend on any of the remaining free agents that would require much more than the league minimum.
New York may still add a rookie passer in the NFL Draft, specifically Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, who figures to come off the board as the class' second quarterback. Winston, though, seemed happy to contribute in any way possible, whether that be in relief or as a mentor.
"Yeah, absolutely, I knew a free agent signing was going to come or maybe even a draft pick was going to come," he said at his introductory presser. "But that's their business. My business is today, and today I have the privilege of finally becoming a Giant."
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This story was originally published April 3, 2025 at 12:00 PM.