By Adeniyi Precious 
The New York Giants are still searching for their next quarterback, and veteran Jameis Winston is on their radar. Winston visited the team on March 18 but left without a deal. If the Giants decide to bring him in, they’ll need a smart strategy to help him succeed—something a former Giants offensive coordinator once perfected.
Winston Thrived Under Sean Payton—Can the Giants Replicate That?
Back when Sean Payton was the Giants’ offensive coordinator, he helped Kerry Collins lead the team to a Super Bowl in 2000. Years later, as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, he worked similar magic with Winston.
NFL insider Josina Anderson pointed out that Winston was playing some of the best football of his career under Payton in 2021 before a knee injury derailed his season. According to Anderson, the key was tailoring plays to Winston’s strengths while avoiding concepts that had historically given him trouble.
Anderson also believes the Giants should move on from chasing Aaron Rodgers and instead focus on a more cost-effective veteran like Winston or Russell Wilson.
Winston’s High-Risk, High-Reward Style
Winston is a gunslinger—when he’s on, he delivers big plays. When he’s off, turnovers pile up fast. He tossed 12 interceptions in 12 games with the Cleveland Browns last season and attempted tight-window throws 35.1% of the time, the second-highest rate in the league.
But despite his inconsistency, Winston knows how to get the ball to his receivers. When he stepped in for Cleveland last season, guys like Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore, Cedric Tillman, and David Njoku suddenly saw a surge in production. That’s something the Giants’ offense, featuring young playmakers like Malik Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Darius Slayton, could use.
Giants’ Quarterback Plan Still Uncertain
Even if the Giants bring in Winston, they’re still likely to draft a quarterback. Holding the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they have options. Some analysts, like ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., predict they’ll select Shedeur Sanders, a pinpoint passer who completed 74% of his throws in 2024.Whether the Giants choose Winston as a bridge quarterback or go another route, they need to get this decision right. Their long-term success depends on finding stability at the most important position on the field.