Jameis Winston says goodbye to New Orleans, hello to Cleveland
The Cleveland Browns announced the signing of quarterback Jameis Winston to a one-year contract on Wednesday, prompting the former Hueytown High School star to release a goodbye-New Orleans video.
Winston spent his previous four seasons with the Saints.
“The Superdome is the birthplace of my first NFL win,” Winston said, “so saying farewell, I don’t know where to begin.
Cleveland signed Winston to back up Deshaun Watson. The Browns’ starting quarterback is recovering from a shoulder injury that limited him to six games last season.
The Browns started five quarterbacks in 2023. Dorian Thompson-Robinson remains under contract for 2024 after starting three games as a rookie. Joe Flacco, who started the final five regular-season games and a playoff contest, signed with the Indianapolis Colts after becoming an unrestricted free agent last week.
Winston’s contract with Cleveland has been reported as a one-year, fully guaranteed $4 million deal that includes a $2.79 million signing bonus.
The No. 1 selection in the 2015 NFL Draft, Winston spent five seasons as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ starting quarterback. After Winston led the NFL with 5,109 passing yards and 30 interceptions in the 2019 season, the Bucs switched to Tom Brady in 2020.
“I’ll start with expressing gratitude and thanks to all of Who Dat Nation, the Saints organization and especially Mrs. B (Saints owner Gayle Benson)!
“I’m grateful for all my teammates, coaches, trainers, the entire Saints support staff and, honestly, the whole city.
“I’m grateful for the festivals, Mardi Gras, second lines, great music, world-class chefs and witnessing the NOLA culture shine!
“I’m grateful for the love, encouragement, perseverance and real people who embraced this little light of mine.
“I love you, New Orleans, through and through.
“Trust and believe that y’all haven’t seen the last of Jaboo.”
Wednesday’s signing came after a contract agreement between the Browns and Winston that was reported last week.
After signing with Cleveland, Winston recorded an introductory video for Browns fans.
“Public service announcement,” Winston said. “Dawg Pound, what’s up? It’s your new quarterback Jameis Winston coming here to help lead and support and help get us some victories. You know we’re here. We’re live and local. We know you love us. I can’t wait to see you soon. I can’t wait to really get in this building and get to work with Deshaun, get to work with David. It’s going to be unbelievable. Thank you for the support always. I look forward to meeting all y’all soon. Training camp 2024, coming real soon. Thank you.”
Cleveland signed Winston to back up Deshaun Watson. The Browns’ starting quarterback is recovering from a shoulder injury that limited him to six games last season.
The Browns started five quarterbacks in 2023. Dorian Thompson-Robinson remains under contract for 2024 after starting three games as a rookie. Joe Flacco, who started the final five regular-season games and a playoff contest, signed with the Indianapolis Colts after becoming an unrestricted free agent last week.
Winston’s contract with Cleveland has been reported as a one-year, fully guaranteed $4 million deal that includes a $2.79 million signing bonus.
The No. 1 selection in the 2015 NFL Draft, Winston spent five seasons as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ starting quarterback. After Winston led the NFL with 5,109 passing yards and 30 interceptions in the 2019 season, the Bucs switched to Tom Brady in 2020.
Leave a Reply