Browns insider explains Jameis Winston decision amid Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders rumors

Even though quarterback Jameis Winston became a popular figure among Cleveland Browns fans this past fall, it's been evident throughout the offseason that the club won't welcome him back once he reaches free agency when the new league year opens on March 12. 

For a piece updated on Tuesday afternoon, Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer shared why Cleveland will look for a different bridge option at the position who could serve as a mentor for either Miami's Cam Ward or Colorado's Shedeur Sanders.

"Winston was a blast to have around," Cabot wrote, "and helped receiver Jerry Jeudy earn his first 1,000-yard season and Pro Bowl. He was a tremendous team leader and helped hold the team together through a trying 3-14 season. But he threw far too many picks for the Browns' taste, and it’s unlikely he’ll be back. Besides, the Browns don’t really need a backup quarterback who’s such an enormous fan favorite. It wouldn’t be good for a rookie’s psyche to hear chants for the No. 2."

The Browns could take either Ward or Sanders with the second pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. Cleveland could also trade up to choice No. 1 to ensure they get Ward, the advertised top quarterback of his class. 

Cabot compared the Winston situation to how the Browns controversially parted ways with popular backup quarterback Joe Flacco last offseason. While Flacco went 4-1 as a temporary starter to guide Cleveland to a playoff berth, Winston tossed 13 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions over seven starts this past season. In short, paying customers would probably understand the Browns playing Ward or Sanders over Winston this coming fall. 

"The Browns' new backup should be someone who doesn’t still fancy himself a Super Bowl-winning QB and won’t mind imparting all of his wisdom on a rookie," Cabot added. 

On paper, Winston matches such a description, considering he's a journeyman at this point of his career and, by all accounts, was a positive force inside the Cleveland locker room throughout the 2024 campaign. 

Nevertheless, on Tuesday, The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt predicted that the Browns would sign Kirk Cousins whenever Cousins' breakup with the Atlanta Falcons became official. Cousins previously played under Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski when the two were with the Minnesota Vikings. 

As for Winston, he'll likely become a QB2 for a different club that, ideally, will benefit from his entertaining personality and positive mindset.