The New York Giants and general manager Joe Schoen stood pat at the trade deadline, despite some chatter that they could be sellers.
Former draft disappointments Evan Neal and Jalin Hyatt were rumored to garner some interest, but were still Giants after Tuesday’s deadline came and went.
With a quarterback room featuring two veterans in Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, it was thought that New York could recoup some value from either signal-caller.
Once again, the Giants refrained and will carry both former starters with them until the end of the season.
Winston specifically seems to be in Big Blue’s long-term plans, at least for 2026, and if you’ve watched him on the sideline this season interacting with teammates and rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, it’s easy to see why.
Giants Plan to Keep Jameis Winston as Backup in ’26
ESPN’s New York Giants insider Jordan Raanan reports that the team plans to hang onto Winston as Dart’s backup for 2026.
The former No. 1 overall pick signed a two-year deal with New York in free agency this past spring.
“It’s going to be his job as the backup to Dart next year. Winston is more a mentor for Dart than he is a playmaker on the field for the team,” wrote Ranaan.
“‘He’s like a coach on the field [and] in the film room,’ Dart said.”
Winston is arguably the most overqualified third-string quarterback in the NFL.
He’s certainly servicable as a starter, evident by his play with the Cleveland Browns throughout the back half of the 2024 season.
In 12 appearances and seven starts last year in Cleveland, the former Heisman Trophy winner completed 61.1% of his passes for 2121 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
There’s certainly a team out there that would’ve been interested in acquiring Winston as a backup at the deadline, but he’s locked in on helping the Giants and Dart develop.
He told Ranaan as such after New York’s most recent loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
“I just want to help this team win. When a team gives me the opportunity and believes in me, they give me a job, I want to play for that team and do my best for that team,” Winston told ESPN.
“I don’t care what the record is, I don’t care what the circumstances, situation or facts is, I always say what I want for myself, I want for everyone. I’m a solutions-oriented guy, so I want to be a part of the solution. I don’t just want to run away when things get bad.”
Jameis Winston’s Impact on Jaxson Dart
The biggest value Winston brings to the New York Giants is the mentorship he provides to the team’s rookie quarterback.
Dart has gushed repeatedly through training camp, preseason, and the regular season about what Winston has been for the first-year signal caller.
One of the biggest hurdles for young quarterbacks is learning the everyday grind of being a starter in the NFL.
Both Giants’ veterans, Wilson and Winston, have been a major resource for Dart as he’s flashed in his rookie season.
“[Winston is] a lot of times quizzing me constantly. He’s teaching me things he’s gone through in his past and, at the same time, our relationship goes beyond the football field and in the personal life. You know, handling the things that you did good, things you need to improve on,” Dart raved about Winston.
“It’s very unique to have those two guys. And for the team, [Winston] brings so much energy, optimism and positivity every single day. He’s a guy that never wavers regardless of what is going on around him. It’s been a blessing to have him in my corner for sure.”
With Dart under the wings of the veteran Winston, it’s hard not to feel the good vibes emanating from the Giants’ quarterback room.
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