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FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

Giants Add Jameis Winston for Backup Money

By Matt Schauf | Updated on Sat, Mar 22 2025 1:15 AM UTC
Jameis Winston Headshot

The Giants have agreed to a two-year deal with QB Jameis Winston. NFL Network reports that it's worth $8 million total, clear backup money at the position. FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz adds, however, that incentives could push it as high as $16 million. Winston spent last year with the Browns after four seasons with the Saints. He turned 31 in January.

What They're Saying

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero: "The team remains open to adding another QB through free agency or the draft."

Winston on X: "Start spreading the neWs [apple emoji]"

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

This announcement comes amid reports that Aaron Rodgers is weighing offers from the Giants and Steelers.

The contract's base value is clear backup money. But the incentives show the upside of the landing spot.

By adding him, the Giants get some insurance. It appears they and the Steelers are simply waiting for Rodgers to decide what to do. And at No. 3 overall in the NFL Draft, the team might not be a lock to target a QB. The fact that the Giants are chasing Rodgers and signing Winston suggests they might not even like a QB prospect enough to take him that early.

Winston gets a team with big-time uncertainty at the position, which helps his chances of seeing the field -- perhaps even to open the season.

We'll, of course, have to wait to see what else the Giants do before knowing what Winston's chances are of starting Week 1.

If/when he does take the field, Winston should be a positive for Giants WRs. He boosted WR production in Cleveland in 2024 -- but also remained erratic enough that the Browns kept trying to make Dorian Thompson-Robinson happen. And then they let Winston walk in free agency.

There's not much fantasy action to take with Winston right now -- unless you want to stash him later in superflex best ball drafts. But the next month and a half will be interesting.

Dynasty Impact

A two-year deal at least makes Winston stashable in superflex dynasty leagues. He might not be able to hold down a starting job or an NFL address. But he presents entertaining upside when on the field.

Matt Schauf Author Image
Matt Schauf, Editor
Matt has earned two Fantasy Pros accuracy awards for IDP rankings and won thousands of dollars as a player across best ball, dynasty, and high-stakes fantasy formats. He has been creating fantasy football content for more than 20 years, with work featured by Sporting News, Rotoworld, Athlon, Sirius XM, and others. He's been with Draft Sharks since 2011.
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