Giants secure backup quarterback Jameis Winston on two‑year deal

The New York Giants have reached a two‑year contract extension with backup quarterback Jameis Winston, worth roughly $13 million, according to a source cited by ESPN. The agreement, confirmed amid several media reports, adds a seasoned veteran to the team’s depth chart through the 2025 season.

The deal, reported by ESPN, does not include performance incentives beyond the base salary, but the guaranteed portion is expected to be around $6 million per year. While the terms remain private, the extension reflects the organization’s desire to keep a proven, albeit injury‑prone, signal‑caller available should starter Daniel Jones miss time.

Winston entered the league as the first overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, spending his first four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before a brief stint with the New Orleans Saints. After a year out of football, he signed with the Giants in 2023 and saw limited action, completing 30 of 46 passes for 274 yards and a touchdown. His experience, including a 2015 Heisman Trophy win at Florida State, makes him a valuable mentor for younger players despite a career marred by turnovers.

The Giants have grappled with quarterback instability for several years. Daniel Jones, the team's starter, has missed significant time due to injuries, prompting the front office to prioritize reliable backup options. The previous backup, Tyrod Taylor, departed in free agency, leaving a void that Winston filled. By locking Winston in for two more seasons, the Giants avoid a rushed search for a replacement during training camp.

In the broader NFL landscape, backup quarterbacks typically command contracts ranging from $2 million to $8 million per year, depending on experience and perceived readiness to start. Winston’s $13 million extension places him at the higher end of that spectrum, underscoring the Giants’ willingness to pay a premium for veteran depth in a position that can dictate a team's fortunes.

Looking ahead, the extension gives New York flexibility as it navigates the upcoming draft and potential free‑agency moves. Should Jones remain healthy, Winston will likely continue in a mentorship role, but the contract ensures the Giants have a proven option if injuries arise, preserving continuity in the offensive unit.