The New York Giants made their quarterback intentions clear when they signed Jameis Winston to a two-year, $8 million deal earlier this offseason. It was the first step in rebuilding a room that had become a weekly punchline. After a 3-14 season featuring a carousel of Daniel Jones, Tommy DeVito, and others, bringing in a veteran like Winston was at least a move in the right direction.
Then came the Russell Wilson signing. A one-year, $10.5 million deal (up to $21 million with incentives) brought a Super Bowl-winning quarterback to East Rutherford and immediately shifted the quarterback landscape. Wilson will be the starter. Winston, the seasoned backup with starting upside, gives the Giants the kind of QB depth they haven’t had in years.
The connection between Winston and the Giants has an unexpected catalyst: former Giants running back Saquon Barkley. During Super Bowl media week, Winston, serving as a correspondent for Fox Sports, approached Barkley with a question that would set the wheels in motion.
Saquon Barkley accidentally helped the Giants land Jameis Winston
While serving as a guest correspondent, Winston asked Saquon Barkley a simple question:
“Who should sign me in free agency?”
To which Barkley replied, “I think the New York Giants need a quarterback right now.”
That quick back-and-forth may have nudged Winston toward New York. Reflecting on the interaction during his introductory press conference with the Giants, Winston acknowledged Barkley’s influence:
“I don’t believe in coincidences but when he threw the Giants out there, it really gave me and my team a look like, hmm, ‘What are they doing over there? What is their vision?’ And to pursue the Giants and see,” said Winston.
He continued, expressing gratitude for the opportunity:
“This team was one of a few teams that gave me an opportunity, that wanted to have me, wanted me to see the building, wanted me to connect with Coach Daboll and just see what the Giants were all about. I took that to heart and I’m happy that Saquon put that energy in the air for me to come to the big city, to the Big Apple and to be a G-Man.”
Winston’s enthusiasm is palpable, and his arrival injects a jolt of energy into the Giants’ locker room they haven't had in years. His charismatic personality and on-field flair have the potential to electrify fans and teammates alike.
As the Giants embark on this new chapter, one can’t help but wonder: if Barkley’s offhand remark led to Winston’s signing, perhaps his next prediction could be even bolder. Maybe he could casually throw out a future Super Bowl in Big Blue's near future. It's the least he could do.
