The New York Giants signed Jameis Winston to compete for their starting quarterback job, but the team could trade him before he ever suits up for the organization. The first-overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Winston’s high-risk, high-reward style of quarterbacking makes him one of the league’s best backups and a passable short-term starter, but the Giants don’t need him.
At least, that’s what Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton believes. After signing Russell Wilson and selecting Jaxson Dart in the first round, Winston has no clear role on this team. Wilson can serve as the short-term starter and veteran mentor for Dart, and several quarterback-needy teams across the league could be willing to trade a Day 3 pick for Jameis Winston. While he’s nobody’s idea of a franchise savior, the former 5,000-yard passer would improve the following four teams.
Giants Urged to Trade Jameis Winston
Possible Fits
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints have perhaps the league’s most inexperienced quarterback room, as second-round rookie Tyler Shough will battle the relatively untested Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener for the starting job. Perhaps one of these three can establish themselves as the future of the quarterback position, but New Orleans must find someone who can keep the ship afloat and provide veteran leadership on the sideline. Jameis Winston is a great choice for the job, so don’t be surprised if the Saints trade for an old friend.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike Tomlin has never posted a losing season, but that could change if he starts Mason Rudolph for all 17 games. While Rudolph has experience in the Steelers offense, he lacks the upside to bring this team on a deep playoff run. Jameis Winston may not be as promising as Aaron Rodgers or even Kirk Cousins, but a trade could add some much-needed firepower to what will probably be a stagnant passing attack.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have one of the game’s premier quarterbacks in Lamar Jackson. Unfortunately, the backup quarterback position leaves something to be desired. Cooper Rush is better than Josh Johnson, last year’s backup, but he’s still nothing to write home about. Nobody is saying Jameis Winston could win a Super Bowl with this roster, but the trade candidate could keep this near-perfect ship afloat if Jackson misses a few weeks to injury.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars new regime spent the past few months fixing a flawed roster, but they never addressed the backup quarterback position. With Mac Jones in San Francisco, the Jaguars are one Trevor Lawrence injury away from putting their season in the hands of Nick Mullens. Say what you will about Winston, but he’s clearly better than Mullens and could help Jacksonville compete in a wide-open AFC South should something happen to Lawrence.
Main Photo: Ken Blaze – Imagn Images
