The New York Giants and veteran quarterback Jameis Winston have agreed on a two-year contract extension worth $13 million, people with knowledge of the situation said Sunday.
The agreement reflects how highly the organization values Winston beyond his role as a reserve.
Officials inside the building view him as an essential leader in the quarterback room. He has also become a central figure in the development of second-year starter Jaxson Dart.
The Giants regard Winston as the best backup quarterback in the league. Winston’s agents at WinSportsGroup completed the negotiations.
Winston first signed with New York in March 2025 after spending the previous season with the Cleveland Browns.
The original pact was a two-year deal that ran through the 2026 campaign.
At 32, the former Florida State star has given the Giants a steady presence behind the young starter.
Dart took over as the starter last season after the team opened 0-3. The dual-threat quarterback from Ole Miss showed enough in 12 starts to lock down the job heading into Year 2.
Winston filled in when Dart missed time because of a concussion and started two games. Those appearances helped keep the offense functional during a difficult stretch.
This preseason Winston looked sharp when given the chance to play. He completed most of his passes in the first two exhibitions and even ran for a touchdown against Miami.
The Giants open the regular season next Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Having an experienced veteran ready to step in gives the coaching staff real insurance.
Winston entered the NFL as the first overall pick in 2015 after winning the Heisman Trophy. He spent five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, then played for the New Orleans Saints and Browns before arriving in New York.
Over 12 professional seasons he has thrown for more than 24,000 yards and 156 touchdowns. His career has included both highlight-reel throws and well-documented ups and downs.
What has never been in question is his personality and the energy he brings to a locker room. Teammates and coaches have consistently praised his willingness to mentor younger players.
The new contract keeps that influence around Dart for at least two more seasons. It also gives Winston a chance to keep building his own profile in the New York market.
The Giants are installing a new offensive scheme under coordinator Matt Nagy that asks Dart to work more from under center. Winston’s years of experience in different systems should help the young quarterback make that adjustment.
The extension removes any uncertainty about the backup job heading into the season. For a franchise that has searched for quarterback stability, the move is a practical one.
Winston remains a player who can still make big throws when called upon. At the same time, his most important contribution may be the example he sets every day in the meeting rooms and on the practice field.
