Jameis Winston

Career StatsD

Year	Team	GP	Yards	TD	INT	RTG
Career		108	24,792	156	113	86.3
2025		3	567	2	2	82.1
2024		12	2,121	13	12	80.6

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Giants landed a legitimate steal in Jameis Winston at just $4.0M AAV, securing a proven starter-caliber quarterback for rotational player money. While Winston's current production tier sits at rotational level, his track record as a former franchise quarterback who threw for over 5,100 yards in 2019 makes this contract structure incredibly team-friendly. At 30 years old, Winston still has several productive seasons ahead of him, and the $5.3M guaranteed over two years provides minimal risk while offering substantial upside if he recaptures his previous form. The deal's modest financial commitment allows New York flexibility to either develop Winston as a bridge starter or deploy him as an elite backup option—both scenarios delivering exceptional value at this price point. Winston's B- CVI reflects the rare combination of proven NFL starting experience available at backup quarterback pricing, giving the Giants one of the more savvy signings of the offseason. This contract represents exactly the type of low-risk, high-reward move that championship-contending teams execute to maximize roster construction efficiency. New York essentially acquired a lottery ticket with legitimate starting upside for the cost of a typical special teams contributor.

Performance Analysis

Jameis Winston, the former No. 1 overall pick entering his 11th NFL season, now finds himself in a reserve role with the New York Giants, earning a D grade this year. His career 86.3 passer rating and 61.1 completion percentage reflect a more capable player than his current output suggests. He remains a serviceable veteran presence, though his window as a reliable starter has narrowed considerably. The most striking tension in Winston's current season is a yards-per-attempt of 8.59 — well above the elite threshold of 8.30 — paired with a completion percentage of just 56.1%, far below the NFL average of 64.2%. That combination tells a familiar Winston story: explosive downfield aggression undermined by chronic accuracy and decision-making lapses. His TD rate of 3.03% and 189.0 passing yards per game both trail league averages significantly, limiting his overall impact despite the big-play capability. His seasonal trend — improving from an F in 2023 to a D+ in 2024 and now a C- in 2025 — shows modest but real upward movement worth monitoring. If Winston can tighten his completion rate even modestly toward league average, his elite yards-per-attempt could make him a legitimate spot starter. At 32, he's best projected as a high-upside backup who occasionally reminds you why he was the first pick in the 2015 draft.

Current Sentiment

Jameis Winston enters the 2026 campaign in a familiar role as a veteran bridge quarterback, stepping in for the Giants' presumed starter Jaxson Dart while the rookie recovers from a concussion protocol designation. Media coverage has been largely functional and neutral, framing Winston as a reliable stopgap rather than a long-term solution, which accurately reflects his standing on a modest $4 million contract. His willingness to mentor Dart — evidenced by the two quarterbacks training together with receiver Darnell Mooney — has generated modest goodwill among fans and analysts who appreciate his veteran leadership. The lingering depth chart questions surrounding New York's quarterback room keep Winston's ceiling capped in the public eye, as most observers view him as a placeholder rather than a genuine franchise piece. Overall, fan and media sentiment toward Winston is cautiously respectful — acknowledging his experience and competitive spirit while remaining clear-eyed about his role as a supporting character in the Giants' broader quarterback development story.