A blockbuster trade proposal has the Cleveland Browns giving Jameis Winston another fresh start by trading him to a top NFC team needing short-term help at quarterback.
After four seasons with the New Orleans Saints (most of them as a backup), Jameis Winston signed a one-year deal with the Browns in free agency. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneer and 2015 first overall pick was brought in as insurance for Deshaun Watson, who’s essentially locked in as the starter thanks to his fully guaranteed $230 million contract.
The Green Bay Packers could use more depth at quarterback after losing starter Jordan Love in Week 1 with a knee injury. Love missed the club’s Week 2 home game against the Indianapolis Colts (Malik Willis started in his place) and is expected to miss several more games.
Cody Williams of FanSided proposed a blockbuster trade idea that would see the Browns deal Jameis Winston and a 2025 sixth-round pick to the Packers in exchange for 2025 and 2026 fifth-round picks:
“For the Packers side of the equation, this should be a no-brainer from the jump. Winston is the perfect quarterback to step into the building, pick up a vanilla offense and keep the ship afloat. He offers the upside to keep Green Bay competitive enough that the bottom doesn’t fall out but also won’t start any quarterback controversy once Love is healthy again — and provides insurance for the rest of the season as well.”
Jameis Winston starts his Browns debut with a QB sneak 👏pic.twitter.com/OOujTulxNA
— Browns Nation (@BrownsNationCP) September 15, 2024
Willis was acquired in a trade with the Tennessee Titans before the roster cut deadline. In Sunday’s win over the Colts, he attempted only 14 passes (12 completed) for 122 yards and one touchdown.
The Packers emerged victorious thanks to a rushing offense that gashed Indianapolis for 261 yards. They’ll need better quarterback play against better opponents without love, and Jamies Winston could supply that.
Jameis Winston Is The Ideal Short-Term Solution For Packers
Winston hasn’t been a full-time starter since his last healthy season with the Buccaneers in 2019, but this is a former Pro Bowler with 80 starts, 22,104 passing yards and 141 touchdowns on his resume.
His turnover woes are a concern, but Winston can sling the ball and would have little issue getting the ball out to the Packers’ top weapons, namely Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Josh Jacobs. With more upside than Willis, the Packers should try and acquire Winston and make him the starter until Love is healthy.
