Approximately seven or eight teams will be searching for new starting quarterbacks this offseason. The general consensus is that the 2025 NFL Draft features a weak class of signal-callers, with Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders projecting as the lone first-round picks. That means various franchises must turn their attention to free agency in search of a new starter. Veteran Jameis Winston is among the intriguing options available.
Winston started seven games for the Cleveland Browns throughout the 2024 campaign. The experienced gunslinger threw for 2,121 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Winston is the perfect bridge-type QB for a team patiently searching for their next franchise signal-caller. We've identified three potential fits for his services in free agency.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders own the No. 6 overall selection in the draft. Can new general manager John Spytek get himself within striking distance to land Ward or Sanders? If not, the Raiders may prefer to delay the quarterback decision another offseason. Tom Brady and new head coach Pete Carroll will have a large impact on what they do under center this summer.
What's clear is the Raiders can't run back Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew at quarterback. If a rookie isn't in the cards, a veteran who provides them with a better opportunity to win will be necessary. Spytek was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when they selected Winston No. 1 overall. That backfired, but that familiarity could make Winston a potential target.
Indianapolis Colts
The 2025 campaign will undoubtedly be a make-or-break one for quarterback Anthony Richardson. Richardson did not showcase enough sophomore growth to answer the Indianapolis Colts' quarterback question with any sense of definitiveness. He continued to struggle with injuries and inconsistent play and was even benched for multiple weeks when his leadership qualities came into question for voluntarily removing himself from a game because he was tired.
When the Colts replaced Richardson in 2024, it was with veteran stopgap QB Joe Flacco. Flacco didn't play well and is on an expiring contract. The Colts will probably prefer to bring in a higher-upside veteran this offseason to push Richardson for the job. Winston would be an excellent addition, considering what the Colts are looking for behind their third-year signal-caller.
New York Jets
Aaron Glenn is the new head coach of the New York Jets. Glenn's highest priority will be to improve what was a toxic culture this season. That probably begins with moving on from controversial quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Rodgers gamble failed miserably on East Rutherford and it's now time for a reset.
The Jets must focus on rebuilding from within throughout Glenn's first campaign. New general manager Darren Mougey is aligned with Glenn, who spent a season with Winston in New Orleans (2020). Together, they probably won't want to make any rash decisions at quarterback this offseason that carry a multi-year impact. The Jets need to do some soul-searching, and Winston would be an ideal candidate to simply get them through a recharging 2025 season.
