As the Minnesota Vikings work to finalize their quarterback situation, potentially with J.J. McCarthy, their options are becoming more limited. Jameis Winston, who had been speculated as a possible fit, is no longer a consideration.
Winston, who played for the Cleveland Browns in 2024, confirmed his next move with a brief message: “Start spreading the neWs [apple emoji],” posted on X on March 21.
With Winston off the market, the remaining free-agent quarterbacks now have more leverage as contract negotiations intensify.
Winston, who has earned $76.5 million in his career, signed his first multi-year deal since 2022. According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz on March 21, “BREAKING: The #Giants and QB Jameis Winston are finalizing a 2-year, $8M deal, which could be up to $16M with incentives.”
This signing provides the Giants with a veteran quarterback who could potentially start right away, possibly even in Week 1, while also serving as a mentor to a younger QB if they decide to draft one.
Jameis Winston a Polarizing Speculative Target for Vikings
Jameis Winston began his NFL career as the No. 1 overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2017. He gained notoriety for becoming the first player in NFL history to record a season with 30 touchdowns and 30 interceptions while with the Bucs.
Throughout his career, Winston has thrown for 24,225 yards, 154 touchdowns, and 111 interceptions. He also played for the New Orleans Saints from 2020 to 2023.
CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin saw Winston as a potential fit for the Minnesota Vikings as they evaluate J.J. McCarthy. “Carson Wentz is another big-armed journeyman who makes sense here, especially given his Midwestern roots,” Benjamin wrote on March 21. “Winston is a touch younger with a bit more recent starting experience, and Kevin O’Connell might appreciate his fiery leadership in the same room as McCarthy.”
However, Sports Illustrated’s Will Ragatz took a different view of Winston’s fit with the Vikings. “Winston is one of the biggest names still available, but he might not be the ideal fit for the Vikings, both on and off the field,” Ragatz wrote on March 16.
“The ultimate gunslinger, Winston is essentially the extreme version of Nick Mullens. While his personality has made him a fan favorite, his past includes multiple incidents of alleged sexual misconduct.”
Winston settled his legal issues in 2016, according to ESPN, and has received praise for his locker room presence since entering the league.
Vikings Running Out of Proven Veteran Options
The Minnesota Vikings were initially linked to Aaron Rodgers but have since moved away from that possibility. They have also been connected to Joe Flacco and Ryan Tannehill in free agency.
Tannehill, who shares representation with J.J. McCarthy, has drawn attention from the Vikings despite sitting out the 2024 season. This suggests that head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah may be looking beyond the more prominent names on the market.
Other available proven quarterbacks include Carson Wentz and Russell Wilson.
Former Vikings Case Keenum and Teddy Bridgewater are also still on the market. There’s even speculation that the Atlanta Falcons might release Kirk Cousins, or possibly trade him at a lower price.
The Vikings have faith in McCarthy but are taking a significant gamble with a roster that finished with 14 wins in 2024. It’s a calculated risk, but if McCarthy doesn’t live up to their expectations, the team could face an even more challenging situation by 2026.
Be the first to comment