Cleveland Browns to sign quarterback Jameis Winston to one-year deal

The Cleveland Browns are reportedly signing quarterback Jameis Winston to a one-year deal to become Deshaun Watson‘s backup next season. The former Saints signal-caller entered free agency this week after appearing in seven games for New Orleans this season. Though the Browns were reportedly interested in Jacoby Brissett initially, Brissett is signing a one-year deal with the Patriots instead.

Winston fielded plenty of interest but opted to join the Browns where he has a “great relationship” with Deshaun Watson. His new deal is worth up to $8.7 million. Other free agent quarterbacks have signed one-year deals for up to $10 million so far this cycle.

Wintson was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft after winning a Heisman Trophy at Florida State. He has split his nine-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New Orleans Saints, the latter of which he has spent the last four years.

The move for the Browns means quarterback Joe Flacco will not be back with the team in 2024. Flacco still has the potential to find a starting gig for next season.

More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline follows the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.