The New York Giants are signing free-agent quarterback Jameis Winston to a two-year deal worth $8 million, with incentives that could increase the contract’s total value to $16 million.
That decision will not impact the Giants’ efforts to acquire Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson. It also leaves the possibility for them to select a rookie. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, this indicates that very little has shifted except for the fact that a backup option is unavailable.
Winston’s agreement mirrors the one the Steelers offered Mason Rudolph, excluding the incentives. Regarded as an unpredictable player, Winston’s contract doesn’t stop the Giants from pursuing additional transactions, yet it provides them with a reliable backup quarterback capable of replacing a starter whenever necessary.
If they chose to include a veteran and a newcomer, the contract is very flexible and they could potentially trade Winston at any time. Winston played in seven games for the Cleveland Browns this season, achieving a record of 2-5 in those matchups. He passed for 2121 yards, recording 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
In his past 17 games, Winston has passed for more than 5000 yards, recording 33 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. This emphasizes the volatility of Winston as a player, yet he serves as a reliable leader in the locker room and provides assurance for the Giants if any aspect of their strategy fails.
Rodgers traveled to Pittsburgh to meet with the Steelers on Friday, but departed without securing a contract. Several reports indicated that the purpose of the visit was to familiarize themselves with one another instead of discussing the specifics of an agreement. Indeed, Adam Schefter from ESPN stated that there were no negotiations that took place that day between Rodgers and the Steelers.
Wilson has visited the Giants already. Currently, Rodgers has not yet made his trip to New York, but he might eventually travel to East Rutherford for a meeting with the Giants’ executives. In any case, the Steelers intend to hold off on Rodgers.