The Cleveland Browns have agreed to acquire free agency quarterback Jameis Winston, which will become official on Wednesday, according to The Athletic. Winston, who spent the previous two seasons with the New Orleans Saints, will mostly act as Deshaun Watson’s backup in 2024 on a club with playoff aspirations.
Prior to his NFL career, the former No. 1 overall pick excelled as a dual-sport, Heisman Trophy winner at Florida State. From 2013 to 2014, Winston completed 66.0% of his throws for 7,964 yards, with 65 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. He guided the Seminoles to the BCS National Championship in 2013 and a berth in the inaugural College Football Playoff the following season, where they were defeated by Oregon.
Winston, a former four-star prospect from Hueytown High in Alabama, was the Class of 2012’s No. 26 player and No. 1 dual-threat quarterback. In addition, he was Alabama’s number three player. Winston was ranked as a five-star prospect by the industry-generated 247Sports Composite. He was ranked as the No. 16 player in the nation, as well as the best dual-threat quarterback and Alabama athlete.
Last season, Florida State honored Winston with a jersey retirement in Tallahassee. Winston, a redshirt freshman in 2013, led Florida State to a 14-0 record and the 2013 National Championship, defeating Auburn in the Rose Bowl. Winston became the youngest player in history to win the Heisman Trophy. Winston also earned the Davey O’Brien Award, the Manning Award, and the Walter Camp Player of the Year award.
The next season, Winston led the Seminoles to another perfect regular season before losing to Oregon in the first-ever College Football Playoff semifinals.
Winston’s Seminoles were one of college football’s most talked-about teams last season after becoming the first unbeaten Power Five conference winner to be barred from the College Football Playoff. As a result, many players chose not to participate in the postseason. FSU had more than two dozen opt-outs for the Orange Bowl, including a couple of defensive starters who removed their pads before kickoff.
FSU’s Mike Norvell, last season’s Dodd Trophy Coach of the Year, stated before the game that many of his players made “tough” decisions, and he was happy for their contributions this year.
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