Jameis Winston's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Free-agent quarterback Jameis Winston is joining the Cleveland Browns on a one-year, $8.7 million deal, according to Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz. Winston has spent the last four seasons with the New Orleans Saints, racking up 20 passing touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 21 games (10 starts). The former No. 1 overall pick passed for at least 20 touchdowns in three of his five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but 88 interceptions over that span ultimately lost him his starting gig. He will likely begin the 2024 season as Deshaun Watson's (shoulder) backup, but there is a path to playing time considering Watson's struggles and injury issues since becoming a Brown in 2022. He should be rostered in deep Superflex and two-QB leagues next year.

The Cleveland Browns are interested in free-agent quarterback Jameis Winston as a backup to starter Deshaun Watson. Although it's unlikely, the Browns could also run it back with Joe Flacco, the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year, after he stepped in for an injured Watson last season to unexpectedly lead the Browns into the postseason. The 30-year-old Winston was his usual up-and-down self while filling in for an injured Derek Carr in seven games for the New Orleans Saints in 2023, going 25-for-47 for 264 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. While Winston has plenty of starting experience (80 career starts in nine NFL seasons), he's proven to be a turnover-prone and inconsistent passer when thrust into action. But given Watson's track record for injuries, the Browns are clearly intent on backing him up with an experienced, veteran signal-caller like Winston or Flacco.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston, who will become a free agent in March, said he "would love to stay in New Orleans forever." Winston has spent the last four seasons with the team and would remain ticketed for a backup role yet again in 2024 behind Derek Carr if he chooses to re-sign. The Saints are currently projected to be well over the salary cap this year, which is nothing new for the organization, but it could prove difficult for them to get something done to keep Winston around as QB insurance. The 30-year-old veteran has made 10 starts for the team in his four-year run with them and went 25-for-47 for 264 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in seven appearances when Carr was banged up in 2023.