With six games to go in the 2024 season, Jameis Winston has a chance to prove he can be the quarterback of the Cleveland Browns in 2025 as well.
Winston opened up about the possibility of staying with the team after the season in a media presser ahead of their Monday Night Football game.
“I’ve truly embraced this city.” Winston said.
“I think anytime where you’re able to solidify a role in a place and play good at that place, you like to be home. But however, that’s out of my control.” He continued.
He’s correct. The Browns will have a lot of soul-searching this off-season when considering the direction the team wants to take. DeShaun Watson and his massive contract are likely to return in 2025 and what leadership expects out of him in his recovery from an achilles tear will play a big part in their decision-making.
The assumption is that the Browns will mentally move on from Watson as the franchise quarterback even if he sticks around for another season or two. That means that once again the Browns will be on the hunt for a new star signal caller, but that won’t be easy.
Currently at 3-8 with momentum, the Browns likely won’t be in a position to draft an elite quarterback prospect. Right now only Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward seem worthy of a high selection beyond the reach of Cleveland.
Even if a higher-end quarterback became available via trade or free agency this off-season, the Browns likely won’t be able to bid at a competitive rate with Watson’s contract still on the books for the foreseeable future.
That brings us back to Winston. The Browns signed him to a one-year deal in free agency and have the benefit of possibly getting a deal done before he hits free agency again. At 30 years old on his third team in his professional career, Winston isn’t likely to command a big deal but could play himself into some negotiating power if he finishes the season strong.
He would be the ideal bridge quarterback while the Browns wait out Watson’s deal and for a worthy prospect to come along. That would mean Cleveland could stay competitive in the meantime while staying vigilant in finding a long-term option. For Winston, he could have a starting position with the opportunity to make more money in the future should he continue to play well.
The team and fans have certainly embraced him, but for now, he’s saying all the right things and staying focused on the upcoming matchup against the Broncos in prime time.
