The New York Giants have signed backup quarterback Jameis Winston to a two-year contract extension worth $13 million, securing his presence with the team through the end of the 2028 season. This deal comes as the Giants aimed to get under the salary cap before the start of the year, as they were approximately $1.18 million over the cap prior to the extension.
Winston, who joined the Giants last year, will remain under contract beyond the 2026 season, providing a veteran presence behind starter Tyrod Jones. His extended contract offers continuity and a reliable option in case of injury to Jones, a scenario briefly highlighted during preseason when Jones had to exit the field for evaluation.
Originally the No. 1 overall pick in 2015, Winston appeared in three games for the Giants last season, making two starts in November when Jones was sidelined. He completed 37 of 66 passes for 567 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions during his time on the field. His role with the team has evolved from his earlier days with the Buccaneers, where he made a Pro Bowl as a rookie and threw for over 5,000 yards in 2019.
In his current role, Winston has embraced a mentorship position for Jones, assisting the second-year quarterback in adapting to the team's offensive system. He has also been logging critical practice repetitions with the second-team offense, ensuring the Giants' offense is prepared for the season opener.
Winston has expressed optimism about Jones's development, noting his ability to master the complexities of the offensive schemes. "It’s fun seeing him just — again, just master what they’re throwing at him," Winston said of Jones last month. "Because it’s a lot because of the complexities of the different systems and him having to learn all those systems in one and ultimately creating a system that benefits him as a player."
He added, "So, it’s exciting to see the dynamic that he is the guy, and we’re going to do our best to build an offense that best supports his skill set and kind of capitalizes [on] the things that he does well. He does a lot well, so it’s a lot that we are capable of doing."