Jameis Winston Cites "Winning Super Bowls" As Reason For Joining Browns
In the year of our lord 2024, the Browns have become a true free agent destination.
At least that's what new backup quarterback Jameis Winston believes.
In the aftermath of Winston inking a one-year deal worth up to $8.7 million, the nine-year veteran opened up about his decision to leave the familiar confines of the NFC South and come to Cleveland. In a conversation with NFL Insider Josina Anderson, Winston highlighted a talented Browns roster and a chance to win a Super Bowl as one a key factor in the move.
"Ultimately I desire to win some Super Bowls, and this roster that Cleveland got, looks like they can do it," said Winston according to Anderson.
While the 30-year-old still views himself as a starting QB in this league, he cited feeling compelled through the Lord to come provide support to Browns star QB Deshaun Watson.
"Having the opportunity to work with Deshaun (Watson) and help him be the best he can possibly be, is my main mission," he said via Anderson. "Now, if Deshaun has to heal up for whatever reason, and I have to take a few games off of him, I’m going to be ready to do that."
As the Browns continue to prioritize Watson, bringing in Ken Dorsey to build an offense more suited to the signal caller's skill-set, his preestablished relationship with Winston likely played a role in the move. While the Browns were rumored to be considering a Joe Flacco return, Winston presented a younger and more stylistic fit to the offense Dorsey and head coach Kevin Stefanski are looking to build.
As Watson works his way back from a shoulder procedure to repair a fractured glenoid, the hope is that Cleveland won't have to turn to Winston is strictly a safety net in case the 28-year-old suffers another serious injury. The Browns have continued to express confidence in Watson's ability to return to form, even after a serious shoulder injury. Watson is expected to start throwing the football again this month.
Winston, meanwhile, has developed quite the reputation over the years for being a boisterous and vocal leader during his stints with the Buccaneers and Saints. Fans may remember his viral "let's eat a W" pre-game speech. At the end of last season, Winston made headlines for ignoring head coach Dennis Allen's request for the team to kneel out a win over the Atlanta Falcons. Instead, Winston handed the ball off to running back Jamaal Williams who scored his only touchdown of the season after leading the league in that category in 2022.
He also used an empty briefcase as part of a motivational speech to the team this year, opening it up to reveal there was nothing inside and telling his teammates "this is what's standing between us and greatness."
