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.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston has agreed to a contract restructure for salary cap purposes, according to a source. The 30-year-old veteran signal-caller adds two years to his contract, but it won't affect his pending free agency, as they will void early in the new 2024 league year to allow salary cap proration. Winston will hit free agency this March after spending the last four seasons as a backup for the Saints. In that time, he's played in 20 games (10 starts) and has gone 200-for-334 for 2,367 yards with 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. It remains to be seen if he'll be content to re-sign in New Orleans as Derek Carr's backup or if he wants to look elsewhere as a short-term bridge QB option. As a starter, Winston can be intriguing as a QB2 streamer in the right matchups, but his turnover-prone ways make him hard to trust on a week-to-week basis.
Derek Carr Taken To Locker Room, Replaced By Jameis Winston
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (right arm) exited during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions. He took a big hit from linebacker Bruce Irvin and was helped to the sideline (and then to the locker room) by medical personnel. The Saints haven't issued an official designation on his status, but until Carr can return, Jameis Winston will handle the bulk of quarterbacking duties. Taysom Hill could also receive some opportunities under center.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston replaced an injured Derek Carr (concussion, shoulder) in the third quarter of Sunday's loss against Minnesota. Winston ignited the offense, immediately pioneering a touchdown drive after being inserted into the game. The veteran ended up completing 13-of-25 passes for 122 yards with two scores and two interceptions in the loss. Winston will likely revert back to the bench after New Orleans' bye week, as Carr expects to be able to return.
Derek Carr Carted To Locker Room, Replaced By Jameis Winston
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (undisclosed) exited Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings with an apparent upper-body injury. He went into the medical tent before being carted to the locker room, though the team didn't provide immediate information on his status. At the time of his departure, he had completed 13 of 18 passes for 110 yards. He also took two sacks. In the meantime, Carr was replaced by Jameis Winston. There isn't a major drop-off in talent from Carr to Winston, so fantasy managers invested in the likes of Chris Olave, Alvin Kamara, or Taysom Hill shouldn't be too worried.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston will likely be under center on Sunday with Derek Carr (shoulder) yet to practice this week. Winston played the second half of last week's loss to Green Bay and while he was efficient and didn't turn the ball over, he also did not put any points on the board. He gets a shot at a revenge game this week as the Saints take on Tampa Bay, who selected Winston first overall in the 2015 NFL Draft. The Tampa defense has been middle of the road against quarterbacks, allowing 17.7 fantasy points per game throughout the first three weeks. Winston is a low end QB2 this week.
The New Orleans Saints are sticking with quarterback Jameis Winston under center for the Week 4 game against the Tampa Bay Rays with Derek Carr (shoulder) hurt. Head coach Dennis Allen said Wednesday he never considered Taysom Hill an option for this Sunday's game. Winston wasn't excellent in relief of Carr in the Week 3 loss to the Green Bay Packers, but he went 10-for-16 for 101 passing yards. Unfortunately, the first five possessions with Winston resulted in punts, and the final possession ended in a missed field goal. The 29-year-old could fare better with a full week to prepare as the team's starter against Tampa and he will be in play in fantasy leagues that start two quarterbacks.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston came into the game in the third quarter in relief of an injured Derek Carr (shoulder) with a 17-0 lead over Green Bay on the road. Winston completed 10-of-16 passes for 101 yards with no touchdowns and no turnovers. He failed to lead his team to any points, ultimately losing the game 18-17. Four of his five drives ended in punts, with the fifth ending in a missed 46-yard field goal from rookie kicker Blake Grupe. Winston will likely make his first start next week, although Carr's injury is not as severe as initially imagined and he has not yet been ruled out for Week 4.
