When the Cleveland Browns announced that Jameis Winston would be benched in favor of second-year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, it marked the end of a turbulent yet captivating chapter for Winston. The Browns experienced both highs and lows during his tenure, but under Winston, the offense maintained a level of excitement that wasn’t seen during Deshaun Watson’s time.
The big question now is whether Winston showed enough to warrant another chance as a starting quarterback, either in Cleveland or elsewhere. Addressing reporters on Wednesday, Winston made his stance clear: “No, I definitely feel like I showed enough. That I am capable of being a starter in this league,” he said. “However, there are some things that are important for me to get fixed and to get addressed so that I can be the player that I desire to be in this football league. But no, it was fun. It was a fun ride. But what’s most important right now is that the ride continues. Even if my show stops, the team’s show still goes on, and I’m still going to be an instrumental part in helping lead this team to success.”
Winston’s self-assessment is largely accurate. He demonstrated the ability to stretch the field with his deep passing and keep games competitive. However, his propensity for turnovers remains a major concern—one that has kept him from solidifying himself as a long-term starter in the league. While his talent hints at the potential to thrive in the right situation, it’s more likely that Winston will settle into a backup role as a QB2 in 2025.
Reflecting on his time in Cleveland, Winston expressed pride in his journey, from starting as a QB3 to becoming a starter. Despite the disappointing end, he remains optimistic about his impact and future growth. “I know I’m capable of bringing fun and joy to this game, and I know I can help shift the culture of an organization,” Winston said. “I’ll focus on being more consistent, eliminating the lows and negatives in my game—because there’s only one major negative in my game, and that’s something I can control. But outside of that, I’ll continue supporting my teammates and staying ready so I don’t have to get ready.”
Winston’s positive attitude and unwavering confidence have made him a beloved figure in the locker room. While his starting days in Cleveland may be over, he leaves on a high note, embodying the resilience and optimism that defined his stint with the Browns.
