As the Minnesota Vikings continue to sort out their quarterback room behind – and potentially in place of – J.J. McCarthy,moo their options continue to dwindle. Despite recent speculation about his fit with the Vikings, Jameis Winston is no longer a possibility.
Winston played for the Cleveland Browns in 2024. He confirmed his next stop with a four-word message.
“Start spreading the neWs [apple emoji],” Winston posted on X on March 21
Even if Winston was not on the Vikings’ radar, there are now fewer options in free agency. That means the remaining players have more leverage in contract negotiations.
Winston, who has $76.5 million in career earnings, signed his first multi-year deal since 2022.
“BREAKING: The #Giants and QB Jameis Winston are finalizing a 2-year, $8M deal, which could be up to $16M with incentives, multiple sources tell @NFLonFOX,” Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reported on X on March 21.
Winston began his career as the No. 1 overall pick with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2017. He infamously had the first 30-touchdown, 30-interception season in NFL history while with the Bucs.
He has thrown 24, 225 yards, 154 touchdowns, and 111 interceptions in his career. Winton also played for the New Orleans Saints from 2020 through 2023.
CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin projected Winston as a fit for the Vikings as they evaluate McCarthy.
“Carson Wentz is another big-armed journeyman who makes sense here, especially given his Midwestern roots,” Benjamin wrote on March 21. “Winston is a touch younger with a touch more recent starting experience, though, and Kevin O’Connell might like his fiery leadership in the same room as the still-growing J.J. McCarthy.”
