Full Breakdown
Giants Secure Key Depth with Two-Year Extensions for Jameis Winston and Jon Runyan Jr.
9/7/2026, 11:08:01 AM
Core Deal Details
The New York Giants have added two years to backup quarterback Jameis Winston’s contract, locking him in through the 2028 season on a $13 million deal. Starting left guard Jon Runyan Jr. received a two-year, $22 million extension with $21.5 million guaranteed, also running through 2028.
Background & Context
The extensions were announced the final Sunday before the 2026 regular season, when the Giants were $1.18 million over the salary cap. Keeping Winston provides continuity behind second-year starter Jaxson Dart, who missed two games with a concussion in 2025. Runyan’s deal secures a core piece of an offensive line that returned four of five projected starters.
Key Figures
- Jameis Winston – 32-year-old backup quarterback, No. 1 overall pick in 2015, 24,792 career passing yards.
- Jon Runyan Jr. – 29-year-old left guard, 96 career games (79 starts).
- Jaxson Dart – 23-year-old starting quarterback, drafted 2025.
- John Harbaugh – Head coach, hired in the 2026 offseason.
- Joe Schoen – General manager.
Data & Statistics
- Winston’s 2025 Giants production: 37-of-66 completions (56.1 %), 567 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, plus a rushing TD.
- Career totals (through 2025): 24,792 yards, 156 TDs, 113 INTs.
- Runyan’s 2025 season: started all 16 games at left guard; Pro Football Focus graded him 67th of 81 guards.
- The Winston extension reduces his 2026 base salary from $3.95 million, providing immediate cap relief; Runyan’s guaranteed money adds $21.5 million to the Giants’ long-term payroll.
Official Statements & Responses
Agents Drew Rosenhaus and Kyle Lincoln confirmed the terms to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When a team gives me the opportunity and believes in me, they give me a job, I want to play for that team and do my best for that team.” — Jameis Winston
- “We’ll continue to look to upgrade the roster and even the practice squad, cause the practice squad now is truly an extension of the active roster,” — Joe Schoen
- “Guard Jon Runyan and the Giants reached agreement today on a two-year, $22 million extension that includes $21.5 million guaranteed,” — Adam Schefter
On-the-Ground Reports
On August 28, 2026, Winston was seen reacting before a preseason game against the Jets, underscoring his role as a ready-to-step-in backup. Runyan was photographed celebrating the Giants’ 34-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys on January 4, 2026, illustrating his status as a core lineman.
What’s Next
The Giants open the 2026 season against the Dallas Cowboys the week after the extensions were finalized, with Winston serving as the primary backup and Runyan anchoring the left side of the line. The team’s leadership council, which includes Winston, will continue to shape locker-room culture as New York seeks to improve on a 4-13 record from Winston’s first year in the city.
