Jameis Winston is set to be a free agent in March, meaning he can pick who he signs with.
The NFL quarterback spent the 2024 season with the Cleveland Browns and started the year as Deshaun Watson's backup before he was thrust into the starting role once Watson ruptured his Achilles.
Winston played in 12 games, finishing with 2,121 yards through the air, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. It was his first season with the Browns after spending the previous four with the New Orleans Saints.
Before that, he was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the first five seasons of his career.
He's excited about being a free agent again and expressed an interest in signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday. He told Big Cat and PFT Commenter on "Pardon My Take" that he'd be interested in the Steelers because of head coach Mike Tomlin.
“I love Pittsburgh because I admire Coach Mike Tomlin so much,” Winston said, (first transcribed by On3). “The first Super Bowl ring I ever held in my hand was a 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl ring from Bruce Arians. That is definitely aligned with my visions."
If Winston were to sign with the Steelers, it'd likely be to backup someone else. They're interested in bringing back one of Russell Wilson or Justin Fields but won't be able to bring back both.
The Steelers have been in quarterback purgatory since Ben Roethlisberger retired at the end of the 2021 season. They had Kenny Pickett as their starter for two seasons, but when that didn't work out, they dealt him to the Philadelphia Eagles, signed Russell Wilson, and traded for Justin Fields last offseason.
They remade their entire quarterback room to improve their results, but they still lost in the first round of the playoffs this season. Until they get their next franchise quarterback, the results will likely remain the same.
Still, let's see if the Steelers reciprocate the interest when the new league year starts in March.
