Who is Jameis Winston, the QB starting for the Browns against the Ravens? Stats, salary...

Jameis Winston will step into the spotlight as Cleveland’s starting quarterback, bringing a wealth of experience—and risk—to the role.

The former No. 1 overall pick, Winston has logged 80 NFL starts, averaging 267.8 passing yards per Game with a career total of 136 passing touchdowns and 11 rushing scores.

What is Jameis Winston’s quarterback style?

However, Winston’s aggressive play style has also led to 93 interceptions, averaging over one per game. This tendency for high-risk, high-reward plays is a signature of Winston’s career, drawing comparisons to former Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco. One analyst said, “If you liked Flacco’s style, Winston may be right up your alley.”

Winston’s preference for deep throws and willingness to test tight coverage are both assets and challenges. Against a defense like Baltimore’s, which excels at disguising coverage pre-snap, Winston may face trouble with post-snap adjustments, particularly if the Ravens switch from a Cover 2 shell to different zone schemes. This approach could expose the same weaknesses that Winston showed early in his career. Though his tenure in New Orleans helped him refine his decision-making and reduce unnecessary risks, Cleveland fans should brace for a “boom-or-bust” approach.

In addition to Winston’s arm strength, which he’s unafraid to leverage, the Browns will need a reliable target to compensate for the absence of wide receiver Amari Cooper, Winston’s usual downfield option. It remains to be seen who can step into that role as the team adjusts to his playing style.

Jameis Winston’s contract and salary with the Browns

For the 2024 NFL season, Winston has officially signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland franchise, totaling $4 million. This contract is structured to provide him with immediate financial benefits, including a signing bonus of $2.79 million, which will be paid upfront upon the contract’s execution.

In addition to this bonus, Winston’s agreement guarantees him a base salary of $1.21 million for the season, ensuring financial security regardless of performance.

Moreover, the contract offers further potential earnings through various performance-based incentives. If Winston meets specific benchmarks during the season, he could earn up to an additional $4.75 million. These incentives are designed to reward his performance on the field, providing opportunities for substantial earnings based on his contributions to the team’s success.