The NFL career of former No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston has had its ups and downs since he was traded from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the 2019 season. Winston has bounced from the New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns before signing a two-year deal with the New York Giants in early 2025.
Winston expected to be the third-string quarterback behind long-time veteran Russell Wilson and rookie Jaxson Dart. Wilson was benched after the first three games, allowing Dart to assume the starter spot.
The Giants fired head coach Brian Daboll on Monday, and interim head coach Mike Kafka has moved Winston ahead of Wilson in the pecking order, with Dart dealing with a concussion issue. Recent reports have Winston getting his first start for the Giants if Dart can’t play:
Giants are expected to start QB Jameis Winston vs. the Packers, per @JordanRaanan and me. pic.twitter.com/eEVQxeOrfz
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 12, 2025
The Giants are 2-8 on the season and have lost four consecutive games. Wilson played sub-par when he came into the game for Dart last week, and it looks like the Giants are ready to see what Winston can do. Winston has recently gone on record that he was fine with mentoring Dart and wouldn't mind staying in New York with that role.
Dart spoke about Winston's influence as recently as last week. It's clear that Dart is the future at quarterback for the Giants, but this could be one final opportunity for Winston to show what he can do for a chance to gain another starting spot somewhere else. He's only 31 years old and has shown flashes of greatness in his NFL career. If he can limit the turnovers, he'd likely be an upgrade to someone's quarterback room.
The Giants will host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. The game will air on FOX.