Jameis Winston expresses interest in signing with Steelers: 'I would love to team up with Coach Mike Tomlin'

After signing a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns ahead of the 2024 season, Jameis Winston is once again preparing for NFL free agency. The legal tampering period begins March 12, and he could have some options as teams start looking for quarterbacks.

One of those could be in Pittsburgh. When asked by Pardon My Take’s Big Cat and PFT Commenter if the Steelers could be an option, Winston expressed interest.

Winston specifically pointed to Mike Tomlin as a reason the Steelers would jump out if they reached out. He also has a connection to the franchise through his former coach Bruce Arians, who let him hold a Super Bowl XLIII ring.

“I love Pittsburgh because I admire Coach Mike Tomlin so much,” Winston said on Radio Row ahead of Super Bowl LIX. “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.

“I don’t know what my Browns fans would say about Pittsburgh. That’d be challenging. But it really doesn’t matter, honestly. That opportunity presents itself, yeah. I would love to team up with Coach Mike Tomlin.”

Winston initially sat behind Deshaun Watson and Dorian Thompson-Robinson on the Browns’ depth chart this past season after signing a one-year, $4 million deal with Cleveland. Late in the year, though, he got some run as the starter due to injuries. On the whole, he appeared in 12 games, totaling 2,121 yards and 13 touchdowns along with 12 interceptions.

Winston’s pending free agency has been a topic of discussion this week ahead of the Super Bowl. He’s part of FOX’s coverage as a digital correspondent and asked Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley who should sign him. He said the New York Giants could need a quarterback, and when asked his thoughts on signing with the franchise, Winston didn’t hesitate.

“Would I really sign with the Giants? Absolutely!” Winston told NJ Advance Media. “I want to keep playing and do what I do best.”

Of course, the Giants could be in play for a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, depending on how the board shakes out. Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders could fall to them at No. 3 overall. Still, Jameis Winston said he sees what Brian Daboll’s scheme looks like and thinks the pieces are in place for success.

“I have a ton of respect for coach Brian Daboll, the things he does offensively,” Winston said. “I think we have a young— woah! They have a young roster. But they have a young roster that’s ready to win. They’re ready to bounce back. I know they’re hungry over there.”