Full Breakdown
Giants Secure Veteran Backup: Jameis Winston Signs Two-Year, $13 Million Extension
9/7/2026, 3:54:43 AM
Core Deal Details
The New York Giants have locked backup quarterback Jameis Winston into a two-year, $13 million contract, keeping him through the 2028 season. The deal, confirmed on September 6 2026, adds roughly $6.5 million per year in new money and replaces Winston’s $3.95 million base salary for 2026. Team officials said the extension helps the franchise stay under the salary cap after the Giants were reported to be about $1.18 million over the limit prior to the extensions. Winston will remain the primary backup to second-year starter Jaxson Dart.
Background & Context
Winston entered the NFL as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 draft, spending his first five seasons with Tampa Bay before stints with New Orleans and Cleveland. He joined the Giants before the 2025 season on a two-year, $8 million contract and appeared in three games, completing 37 of 66 passes for 567 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. His veteran presence was highlighted after Dart suffered a concussion and missed two games in his rookie campaign, prompting the team to rely on Winston’s experience. The Giants, now coached by John Harbaugh, view Winston as a stabilizing figure for the young quarterback room.
Data & Statistics
- 2025 season (Giants): 37/66 completions (56.1%); 567 yards; 2 TD, 2 INT.
- Career totals (through 2025): 24,792 yards; 156 TD; 113 INT; 61.1% completion.
- Contract values: $13 million over two years for Winston; $22 million with $21.5 million guaranteed for left guard Jon Runyan Jr. (also extended).
- Salary-cap context: Giants were $1.18 million over the cap before the extensions, per Over the Cap data cited by ESPN.
Official Statements & Responses
Agents Drew Rosenhaus and Kyle Lincoln, speaking to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, confirmed the financial terms of both Winston’s and Runyan’s extensions. Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. praised Winston’s mentorship, noting his constant support for teammates during practice and film sessions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s fun seeing him just — again, just master what they’re throwing at him,” — Jameis Winston.
- “I just want to help this team win,” — Jameis Winston.
Why It Matters
Securing Winston provides the Giants with a proven veteran who can step in without a steep learning curve if Dart is sidelined, addressing the team’s history of quarterback injuries. Winston’s mentorship is credited with accelerating Dart’s grasp of the offensive system, a factor the organization hopes will translate into improved performance in his second season. Financially, the extension offers cap flexibility by converting a modest base salary into a longer-term commitment, allowing the Giants to retain other key pieces on the offensive line.
What’s Next
The Giants open the 2026 season on Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys, marking Winston’s first game under the new contract. He is expected to continue leading the second-team offense in training camp and to serve as the primary backup in game-day preparations, while the coaching staff integrates him further into film-room strategy sessions. The extension also aligns with the team’s broader roster strategy, which includes retaining four starting offensive linemen and addressing remaining contract expirations in the upcoming offseason.
