Sep 21, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston (19) drops to throw during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
It’s been seven years since Jameis Winston was in this position.
The veteran quarterback, long relegated to the backup role, is now thrust into the starting spotlight with just two weeks gone in the 2026 season after it was discovered that Jaxson Dart needs season-ending knee surgery.
“This is what I’ve always dreamed of, to be a starting quarterback,” Winston said. “Obviously, my respect and gratitude is going to be with Jaxson, but at the same time, this is what I dream of. I dream of being what I am right now and executing at a high level.”
His first stint as the Giants starter went far from well. He completed just 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and an interception in relief of Dart during Monday night’s 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. He routinely missed open receivers, and there was a noticeable lack of zip on his throws.
“I am very confident in my ability to execute with precision and to lead the New York Football Giants to victories,” Winston said. “Very confident in that.”
The 32-year-old has not started more than seven games in a season since 2019 — his last season as starter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2015. He eclipsed the 4,000-yard passing mark in three of his five seasons in Tampa, and led the NFL with 5,109 yards in 2019.
His first test comes on Sunday against a rebuilding Tennessee Titans squad that pushed the Philadelphia Eagles in a 24-20 loss in Week 2.
“A big part of it is building a game plan now for Jameis. He’ll be the starter. The game plan this last week was built for Jaxson, obviously,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “So, this will be an opportunity to do that, and that’s exactly what we’ll do. We’ll build around all the things that he does well that are in the offense, which is – there’s plenty in the offense. And then, of course, how to attack Tennessee and their defense and what they do, so that’s what we’ll be doing.”
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