ORLANDO, Fla. — The Cleveland Browns were an interesting landing spot for Jameis Winston for a few reasons. First, Cleveland won’t immediately fulfill the former New Orleans Saints quarterback desire to be a starter in the NFL again as Deshaun Watson is entrenched in the top spot. But also, for the Browns, Cleveland had a lot of success last season with Joe Flacco — so much so the backup quarterback was named the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year for leading the Browns to the playoffs after Watson went down with a season-ending injury.
But sure enough, when free agency started, the Browns signed Winston to a one-year, $4 million deal worth up to $8.75 million and let Flacco walk. Flacco reportedly signed for a comparable one-year deal that guaranteed him $4.5 million.
So, what gives?
“I would just say with Joe ... last year was great, getting to know him, getting him implemented with our team, and then the impact he had was special,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “Every year you have to look at your roster, look at your team and make decisions that you think are right for the football team.
“We’re really excited about Jameis. He’s a talented, talented football player. I’m excited about his fit and what we’re doing. That was really the crux of it.”
The Browns also added former Baltimore Ravens backup Tyler Huntley to their quarterbacks room this offseason on a one-year deal. Asked if Huntley was vying for the third string spot on the Browns roster, Stefanski said it was too early to be “setting the depth chart.”
Still, Stefanski sounded as if Winston was brought in to be the primary backup. Winston, who spent four years in New Orleans, told CBS Sports that he joined Cleveland because he hopes to win a Super Bowl. The Browns could theoretically be a better spot for Winston to eventually see the field as Watson has been limited to only six games in each of the last two seasons because of a suspension and injuries. The Saints, meanwhile, are committed to starter Derek Carr, who played all 17 games last year even as he battled through injuries.
Winston penned a goodbye letter to New Orleans last week, thanking the city for its support.
The Saints signed journeyman Nathan Peterman to compete with 2023 fourth-rounder Jake Haener to compete for the spot behind Carr.
In meeting with reporters, Stefanski noted Winston's "youth" — perhaps another reason the Browns preferred the 30-year-old over Flacco, 39.
“Just getting to know him over the last couple weeks, I think he’s a great teammate and excited about helping the team,” Stefanski said of Winston.