According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, at least three teams have expressed interest in veteran backup quarterback Jameis Winston as of Monday afternoon. Anderson posted on X, “I’m told the #49ers and the #Chargers have been in conversation with Jameis Winston for potential backup roles, per league source.”
Anderson continued, adding, “The #Giants could potentially be in contact pending outcome of talks with other quarterbacks.” With Winston drawing interest, it’s worth considering what he could bring to each of these franchises.
Jameis Winston’s Best Option?
Winston delivered the full “Jameis Winston experience” last season — flashes of brilliance mixed with frustrating mistakes. His high point was a 497-yard, four-touchdown outing in Denver. But the lows were just as notable, as he threw five interceptions with only two touchdown passes and 358 yards over his final two games with the Browns.
By season’s end, his numbers lined up with his career averages — a completion percentage hovering around 60%, a solid touchdown rate, and an interception rate that remains higher than ideal.
Winston is likely to play a backup role in 2025, as he was signed to do in 2024. His unpredictable performances make him an intriguing option, especially with teams more reliant than ever on their starting quarterbacks. If a franchise loses its QB1, Winston at least provides some hope — though his downside remains significant.
49ers, Chargers, or Giants?
Winston is almost certainly headed for a backup role in 2025. The only question is which team will bring him in.
The San Francisco 49ers are committed to Brock Purdy, but durability concerns have been raised about their starter. If Purdy were to miss time, Winston could step in and take advantage of Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system, which is packed with playmakers.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers could use a reliable option behind Justin Herbert, while the New York Giants are still searching for their answer at quarterback. Given their current uncertainty, all three teams make sense as potential landing spots.
Winston, the No. 1 overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015, played under his fifth-year option in 2019 before joining the New Orleans Saints in 2020 and spending four seasons in New Orleans. Most recently, he suited up for the Cleveland Browns, completing 181 of 296 passes for 2,121 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Wherever Winston lands, his new team will get a veteran leader and a gunslinger who isn’t afraid to take chances. Now, it’s just a matter of which team is willing to pay for his services and how he fits into their plans.