Cleveland Browns went out in free agent and signed who is thought to be the top backup quarterback on the market.
Jameis Winston wasn’t a name that was linked to Cleveland before free agency really at all. But the Browns signed two quarterbacks the other being Tyler Huntley to add to the roster.
In his first bit of media availability with the team, Winston shared why he signed in Cleveland to be the backup to Deshaun Watson.
“I’m a firm believer that nothing happens by coincidence,” explained Winston. “So, when this opportunity came about, we locked in and we communicated, we collaborated on it, and this just felt like a great fit for me.”
Two years ago it was Jacoby Brissett as the backup to start the season for Cleveland and last year it was rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson at first. With Watson having played just 12 games in two seasons, the Browns have to keep a backup who can step in at any given moment.
As far as Winston and Watson, they first met back in 2014 when they played in college. Florida State and Clemson clashed in an ACC matchup and Winston said they’ve talked here and there since on social media and such.
“I look forward to allowing him to lean on me for anything that he needs and also encouraging him and providing him with different resources that he probably hasn’t gotten for people that have been in the same room as him, whether that’s film studies, film tendencies, whether that’s cooperating with the receiver room, cooperating with the running backs, just serving him and this team, the best way that I can.”
Winston has played in 93 games over nine seasons and has plenty of experience stepping in for an extended amount of time for a team. Last season, Winston played in seven games before suffering a season-ending injury for the New Orleans Saints.
The Browns have a complete quarterback room heading into the 2024 season already and it is just March. If recent history tells us anything, we will likely see Winston in action this fall.
More must-reads: