NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Giants have agreed to terms on a two-year, $13 million contract extension with backup quarterback James Winston, a source with knowledge of the deal confirmed to The Associated Press.
The extension not only preserves salary cap efficiency this season but also locks Winston under the team’s roster through the 2028 season.
Winston, 32, was entering the second year of a prior two-year, $8 million agreement, which the Giants structured before selecting quarterback Jaxson Dart in the first round of the 2025 draft. Last season, Winston contributed in two games after starting the year third on the depth chart behind Russell Wilson and Dart.
Now positioned as the team’s starting backup, Winston provides head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy with a proven veteran option to lead the offense if Dart becomes unavailable. Winston is also a member of the Giants’ leadership council, serving as a key liaison between players and coaching staff.
Entering his 12th NFL season, Winston brings extensive experience following his tenure as the No. 1 overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015, a position earned after winning the Heisman Trophy at Louisiana State in 2013. This marks Winston’s fourth NFL organization, having previously played for the Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, and Cleveland Browns.