“Best Backup in the League” – Jameis Winston Signs $13 Million Extension with Giants, Fans React

Jameis Winston signed a two year extension with the Giants.

“Best Backup in the League” – Jameis Winston Signs $13 Million Extension with Giants, Fans React

Jameis Winston (Image via IMAGO)

Jameis Winston’s full-time media career has to wait a bit longer. The veteran signal caller is sticking around in the blue half of New York for two more years.

New York media’s Jordan Raanan reported that Winston agreed to a two-year, $13 million contract extension with the Giants on Sunday, days before the start of the 2026 NFL season. Winston will remain a Big Blue member until the 2028 NFL season.

Winston, drafted first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has also started games for the New Orleans Saints and the Cleveland Browns. He signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the Giants in 2025. New York quickly sweetened the deal with a further extension.

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Fans react to Jameis Winston signing an extension with the New York Giants

Last year, Winston joined a Giants quarterback room that included veteran Super Bowl winner Russell Wilson and rookie Jaxson Dart. The crowd wanted to see Dart from week one, but the coaches went with Wilson.

"Best Backup in the League" - Jameis Winston Signs $13 Million Extension With Giants, Fans React
Jameis Winston (Image via IMAGO)

Wilson’s time under center lasted just 3 games. He lost all three and was replaced by Dart. Winston got a piece of the action after Dart suffered a concussion in week 10. The 32-year-old started the following two games, contributed 3 total touchdowns, and turned the ball over twice. The Giants went 0-2.

Dart resumed his quarterback duties after clearing the concussion protocol. The Giants won four games all year and finished at the bottom of the NFC East. Wilson retired once the season ended.

Winston had an eventful offseason. He collaborated with FOX Sports to cover the FIFA World Cup.

Once the tournament ended, Winston and the rest of the Giants players returned to New Jersey. Winston appeared in all three preseason games, completing 27 of 39 passes with 1 interception. He was announced as Dart’s backup for the 2026 season, with Jake Haener taking his place on the practice squad.

The Giants won’t have to worry too much if Dart suffers another injury. Winston will be available to handle the quarterback duties.

Before Tom Brady landed in Tampa Bay in 2020, Winston carried the Buccaneers on his shoulders for four years. The 2019 season will go down in history books. That year, Winston led the league in pass attempts (626), threw for 5109 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions. The Bucs went 7-9 and missed the playoffs.

Jameis signed a one-year contract with the Saints in 2020. He made 21 appearances, mostly serving as Derek Carr’s backup. Ahead of the 2024 season, Winston signed with the Browns. He went 2-5 from seven starts, throwing 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Winston has a 36-53 regular-season record.

Winston played college football for the Florida State Seminoles. In 2013, FSU went unbeaten and won the BCS title. Winston threw for 4057 yards, 44 total touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He won the 2013 Heisman Trophy.

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