NFL rumors: Insider throws out a Browns-Jameis Winston trade idea amid QB mess

The Cleveland Browns have not had the best timing historically, but one would have expected them to exercise a little more self-awareness after a prolonged stay in dysfunction junction. Just two days after Deshaun Watson played poorly in a preseason matchup and made critical remarks about fans booing him, the team named the controversial 30-year-old as the starting quarterback. Shedeur Sanders has struggled himself, to be clear, but perhaps the organization could have reduced the backlash by waiting to reveal its decision. Or, perhaps there is another option to consider.

NFL insider Albert Breer wrote an intriguing sentence in his latest article for Sports Illustrated.

“I don’t think it’d be a terrible idea for the Browns to call the Giants about Jameis Winston,” Breer opined. “He has played in Cleveland, so he understands the dynamics there, and he was with {head coach} Todd Monken for three years (2016 to ’18) in Tampa.”

Is Jameis Winston attainable for the Browns?

The New York Giants backup QB was sharp in his preseason outing over the weekend, completing 15-of-21 passes for 150 yards, while also rushing for a touchdown in Saturday’s 26-3 win versus the Miami Dolphins. Beyond that exhibition game, Winston has proven himself to be a solid signal-caller at various points during his NFL career. He threw for 19, 737 yards and 121 TDs during his five-year run with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was quite efficient with the New Orleans Saints in 2021.

Furthermore, the former No. 1 overall draft pick injected the Browns with palpable energy during his first stint in Cleveland. He is an interceptions machine, however. Winston tossed three picks in a single game three different times during the 2024 campaign and continues to be an erratic passer. Despite his ability to move the ball downfield, which is currently a question for both Watson and Sanders, the 32-year-old may not be enough to launch the AFC North squad into competitive standing.

There is also no indication that the Giants want to trade him. Jameis Winston is one of the top backups in the league and provides a veteran presence for young Jaxson Dart, who missed two games last season with a concussion. Cleveland would have to overpay New York to make this a worthwhile deal.

In any case, the Browns do not appear willing to pivot from Deshaun Watson. Whether it is because of his experience, past accolades or the $46 million that is coming his way this year, the shot-callers are choosing to stand behind No. 4.

The Dawg Pound can only hope that the conversation centers around football after Week 1, because this franchise cannot endure any additional drama or speculation. Enough is enough.

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