New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston throws during the first half of a preseason game against the New York Jets last month in East Rutherford, N.J.Adam Hunger/The Associated Press
The New York Giants took care of some contract business on Labour Day weekend ahead of the start of the season, signing backup quarterback Jameis Winston and starting left guard Jon Runyan to two-year extensions.
Winston is receiving US$13-million and Runyan US$22-million as part of the moves, according to a person with knowledge of the move. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Sunday because the deals had not been announced.
The extensions provide salary cap flexibility and save space this season while keeping a pair of respected veterans under contract through 2028.
Winston, 32, was going into the second of a two-year, US$8-million deal, initially signed before the Giants traded up to select Jaxson Dart in the first round of the 2025 draft. He appeared in two games last season after starting third on the depth chart behind Russell Wilson and Dart.
Now firmly No. 2 and serving in a mentor role, Winston gives new coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy an experienced QB to step in when Dart is unavailable. He is also on Harbaugh’s leadership council, a group of players counted on to serve as a liaison between the staff and the rest of the team.
Winston is heading into his 12th NFL season since being the No. 1 overall pick by Tampa Bay in 2015 after winning the Heisman Trophy in 2013. The Giants are his fourth organization after stints with the Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns.
Runyan, 29, has spent the past two seasons starting for New York after playing his first four as a pro with Green Bay. He is back along with left tackle Andrew Thomas, centre John Michael Schmitz and right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor on an offensive line that has just one newcomer: rookie right guard Francis (Sisi) Mauigoa, the 10th pick in the draft.
The deal includes US$21.5-million of guaranteed money for Runyan, a second person familiar with the extension told the AP on condition of anonymity because terms were not disclosed.