Giants Add Jameis Winston for Backup Money

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.