Jameis Winston has bold words on who Deshaun Watson is for the Cleveland Browns
One of the interesting moves that the Cleveland Browns made this offseason was going out and signing Jameis Winston to be their backup quarterback. Winston will serve as the backup behind Deshaun Watson and the Browns also have Tyler Huntley and Dorian Thompson-Robinson on the roster. Many expected that the Browns could bring back Joe […]
One of the interesting moves that the Cleveland Browns made this offseason was going out and signing Jameis Winston to be their backup quarterback. Winston will serve as the backup behind Deshaun Watson and the Browns also have Tyler Huntley and Dorian Thompson-Robinson on the roster.
Many expected that the Browns could bring back Joe Flacco, but instead, they went with the former No. 1 overall pick Winston. The new Browns backup shared during OTAs what he is seeing from Watson, which could be important with the time missed that we have seen at the position over the last couple of seasons.
“I’ve seen intentional leadership of him taking mental reps like he is one of the best quarterbacks in this league. I’ve seen a consistent growth and just him focusing on his shoulder routine, focusing on building that strength back,” Winston explained following an OTA session last week. “And when he throws it, he spends it, so I haven’t seen anything of lack. I’ve just seen him just continue to grow, continue to lead these guys because it’s challenging when you’re not getting the reps, it’s challenging to have a presence when you’re sitting back from afar watching. And he’s done an incredible job just staying locked in, staying focused. I smile when he’s communicating to the receivers in the back, communicating to the offensive lines, talking protections because that is football and he’s not missing the beat.”
Winston comes into the job knowing that he is the backup to Watson. Cleveland has many guan trees reasons that Watson is the starter and they badly need him to be the player they hoped to have traded a bunch of capital for. Winston has not been a full-time starter in the NFL since the 2019 season when he was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“I’ve been in every role in terms of the quarterback position in the NFL that they have to offer. So I focus on what I’m grateful for. I’m grateful that I was the number one pick. I’m grateful that I went through some adversity in year five, I’m grateful that I got to learn from a Hall of Fame head coach and a Hall of Fame quarterback,” Winston explained. “I’m grateful that I ended up being here with a historic franchise, a culture franchise with an elite fan base. So, I’m focused on what I’m grateful for.”
If the last two years have shown anything, the Browns know that the backup has to be ready, and signing a veteran like Winston shows that. The best case scenario is that Winston never has to play a down for the Browns, but Watson hasn’t shown he can play a full season since 2020.
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Scheduled to be a free agent next year.
