Jameis Winston as the Browns' starting quarterback in 2025? It's an idea that would've sounded absurd not long ago. But after Monday night, when Winston mixed flashes of brilliance with his typical turnovers, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk isn't just suggesting it — he's emphatically backing it.
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And frankly, it's hard to argue with his logic.
Here's where things stand. Winston, filling in for Deshaun Watson, has now gone 2-3 as a starter this season. Not world-beating by any means, but Watson's 1-6 record before his season-ending injury paints an uglier picture. Add in the cap realities — Watson's $72.9 million hits in 2025 and 2026 — and it's clear the Browns are staring down a massive financial dilemma.
Florio's take? Make Winston QB1 for 2025. The reasoning is as straightforward as it is compelling.
Winston has been productive, averaging 43.6 attempts per game in his starts, even without the benefit of being the "guy" from Day 1. He's thrown 218 passes in five games, including a whopping 58 on Monday. Sure, the three interceptions were there — but so was the energy, the fight, and the spark this team has sorely lacked.
And, let's be honest: the interceptions might actually work in Cleveland's favor come time for NFL free agency. It keeps Winston's value in check, potentially allowing the Browns to sign him to a manageable deal while still dealing with the Watson albatross. That's a win for a franchise that desperately needs one.
Florio also hits on something beyond stats—something Browns fans know in their bones. This team is simply more fun with Winston under center. He makes them watchable. The players rally around him, and even non-Browns fans can't help but root for the guy. He's got the leadership qualities and the charisma to at least give Cleveland something worth tuning in for every Sunday.
The real question, though, is whether the Browns' front office has the courage to admit their mistake with Watson. Florio doubts it, and for good reason. Cleveland's refusal to acknowledge the glaring misstep of Watson's fully guaranteed deal has been a constant throughout this debacle. Will they double down, or will they pivot to a more sustainable — and enjoyable — future with Winston?
The fans have spoken, if not outright, then with their enthusiasm. They want pizza. And football. But they also want a quarterback who gives them hope. Right now, that quarterback isn't Deshaun Watson. It might just be Jameis Winston.
