Joe Flacco probably would not have rocked the boat — certainly not intentionally — had the Browns re-signed him to back up Deshaun Watson.
Instead, just to make sure, they reached outside the organization to sign Jameis Winston.
However the wisdom of that decision unfolds throughout the 2024 season, Winston wants everyone to know he views his job as making sure there will be smooth sailing ahead for Watson. Watson is rehabbing from shoulder surgery in November and is expected to be 100 percent before the regular season starts in September.
“The biggest thing about this relationship is not only is this going to be an incredible relationship because me and him have both had a lot of success throughout our football career, but it’s going to be a relatable experience with us both being African-American quarterbacks out of the deep South,” Winston said on a Zoom call March 20 after officially signing his one-year contract with the Browns.
“I’ve experienced some of the certain things that he’s experienced throughout his career, which allows him to be able to depend on me or to lean on me to different specific avenues that he might want to pursue or any questions that he might have. But one of the biggest things that I’m bringing to Deshaun is just really support and encouragement because he’s achieved so much and that’s why he’s this organization’s franchise quarterback.”
Winston, 30, was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the first pick of the 2015 draft. He played for the Bucs for five seasons and played for the New Orleans Saints from 2000 to 2023. He has thrown 141 career touchdown passes and 99 interceptions. He infamously threw 33 touchdown passes and 30 interceptions with Tampa Bay in 2019, making him the only 30 and 30 quarterback in NFL history.
Winston has hit some bumps along the road that had nothing to do with statistics. He allegedly stole crab legs when he was a player at Florida State. The crab legs were worth $32. He was charged with shoplifting.
“I went to the supermarket with the intent to purchase dinner but made a terrible mistake for which I’m taking full responsibility,” Winston said in an ESPN interview before the 2015 draft. “In a moment of youthful ignorance, I walked out of the store without paying for one of my items.”
Winston was suspended for three games in 2018 for allegedly groping an Uber driver in 2016. He faced sexual assault allegations in 2012 while at Florida State.
It has been six years since Winston ran afoul of the law. He said on the Zoom call that finding God and a devoted wife helped him change his ways.
“The person that this organization is getting is first and foremost a man of God and faith,” Winston said. “And in terms of changing over the course of the past few years, significantly, four years ago, I got married to the love of my life, my high school sweetheart.
“So not just being a man of God, but a husband and a father of two kids. So priorities change when you see and know that things are bigger than you. So I’m here to do what God called me to do, and that is to lead and advance His kingdom in any way, shape or form. That’s the man that you’re getting.”
The Browns are getting a quarterback with one of the strongest arms in the NFL. In that regard, Winston is similar to Flacco.
If all goes well, Watson will play 17 games and Winston will stand dutifully on the sideline all season. But he will be ready to play if needed. He is already supporting Watson in the meantime.
