As all eyes turn to New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX, the NFL free agency is also turning heads. The most recent story is of two quarterbacks looking for newer pastures. On one hand, we have Russell Wilson, who despite leading the Steelers to the postseason is likely on his way out of Pittsburgh. Then we have Jameis Winston, who was one of the most popular players in the NFL this year despite the Browns having the worst record in the league. While Wilson has remained silent on his exit reports and his future, Winston, who has landed a Super Bowl gig, is out there pushing for another break.

Winston’s career hasn’t quite touched the heights expected of him after Tampa Bay made him the No.1 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. After failing to impress with the Bucs, he moved to the Saints, spending four years with them before joining the Browns last season. However, things didn’t go as he wished.

The 31-year-old got his chance to start following Deshaun Watson’s season-ending Achilles injury and had a memorable game against the Steelers leading his side to a win. But overall it was a challenging season for him as he threw 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. This has led to the Browns doing away with him after just a season and retirement questions have been raised, but he remains adamant about a return.

Rumors are already swirling about the Giants taking a punt on Winston and when this was brought up on The Facility show on February 6, Winston laid out his plans. “I will go be anyone’s quarterback, like, to that to that point, man. Like, I gotta get in the door. You know what I’m saying?”

Jameis Winston’s career contracts read like a rollercoaster. A rookie 4‑year, $23.35M fully guaranteed deal with the Bucs, and a one‑year, $4M gig with the Browns in ’24. And even a two‑year, $28M extension with the Saints in 2022. With numbers like that and a knack for breaking records (remember that Browns game against the Broncos?), Winston is eager to light a fire under a franchise that needs his cannon of an arm. But he believes he needs the right system as well.

People were saying “‘Oh Tom Brady came in and changed the whole culture of the Tampa Bay organization.’ Man that culture was being set and laid by Bruce Arians(former HC), we had things in place. Like, Mike Evans, like, he just ain’t started getting a thousand-yard seasons.” His words hit home. Even with mind‑boggling stats, success depends on the right system.

It looks like Winston is looking for a team that offers him stability with a chance to succeed. At this stage of his career, it is likely that he will serve as a backup quarterback, but even then he can be a useful asset. Against the Steelers, in one of the best snow games of the season, he threw for 219 yards and an interception in a 24-19 Browns win.

Wrapping up his pitch, Jameis Winston clarified what he wanted to achieve. “Stick to the plan. Let’s establish the running game, man. Put some pieces around us. Let’s win football games. Like, that’s it at the end of the day,” he said.

Rumors are rife that teams like the NY Giants—and even the Jets, who ended 2024 with a 5‑12 record and lackluster offensive numbers (averaging 19.9 pts/game, 218.5 passing yds, and 91.8 rushing yds per contest)—are looking for QB options with Winston firmly in the radar.

Winston, who will become a free agent on March 12, continued to pitch himself to potential suitors during a visit to PFT Live in New Orleans on Thursday.

“I’m praying for another opportunity to sling that pill and prove to these owners and head coaches that I can be a trustworthy quarterback,” Winston said on Thursday. “I think that’s the only thing that I haven’t proven since I’ve been in this league. I’ve had the numbers in terms of statistics, but, man, I haven’t won enough games,” he said.

Winston started seven games for the Browns this season but they only won twice and a big part of the reason for that was Winston’s career-long issue with interceptions.

Winston’s career has seen fluctuating performances with some high highs but many low lows as well. In 105 games, Winston has 154 touchdowns and 111 interceptions, but now he is looking for a chance to change that narrative around him. He remains a popular name among the fans, highlighted by his winning Fox’s Viral Player of the Year award, but it is his performances on the gridiron that have left a lot to be desired.

Meanwhile, the $22 million worth QB will be back in New Orleans soon.

The former Saints player will be working with FOX Sports as a digital correspondent ahead of and during Super Bowl LIX. This led to speculation about his future and whether he would explore a full-time move into broadcasting. However, his recent comments suggest he is not done with his football career.

The veteran QB has expressed an interest in playing for the Steelers or even turning up for the Giants if the opportunity comes. Talking about his connection with the Steelers he said on Radio Row, “I love Pittsburgh because I admire Coach Mike Tomlin so much. 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.”

It remains to be seen whether Steelers reciprocate this interest, but one thing for sure is that they will be on the lookout for a new QB in the offseason.

Not just Jameis Winston: Steelers’ Russ Wilson at a crossroads too

Talking about the QBs looking for new teams, apart from Jameis Winston, Russell Wilson, once the NFL’s golden boy with a trophy case full of Pro Bowl nods and a Super Bowl XLVIII ring, now finds himself at a crossroads. His 2024 season with the Steelers, where he posted 2,482 yards, 16 TDs, and 5 INTs over 11 games—bolstered by a 95.6 passer rating—ended on a sour note. Despite his heartfelt, “Obviously, I hope I’m here,” the Steelers have decided not to extend his contract, leaving him a free agent and stirring up locker room drama that rivals any Hollywood plot twist.

NFL insider Jay Glazer wasn’t shy about the news. He hinted that Wilson’s Pittsburgh days are done and dusted. Moreover, Wilson’s cryptic social post—thanking Jesus for a “new day”—only fanned the flames of speculation. With the Steelers now exploring other QB options like Justin Fields. Or even flirting with trades for Kirk Cousins or Dak Prescott, the situation feels like a classic TV cliffhanger.

Enter the Raiders—a franchise desperate for a QB revolution after a dismal 4‑13 season. The Raiders’ offense sputtered, averaging just 223.4 passing yards and 79.8 rushing yards per game. Also, their overall attack managed only 18.2 pts/game (29th in the league). With defensive woes allowing 25.5 points per contest and 333.1 yards on average, the team is in dire need of a spark.

Furthermore, now with Pete Carroll at the helm and Chip Kelly running the offense, the prospect of Wilson—whose career totals include 37,059 passing yards and 292 TDs—joining the mix could be exactly what the Raiders need. In true Jerry Maguire fashion, one might hear, “Show me the money!”

Indeed, fans hope Wilson can translate his past glory into wins for Vegas. While Wilson’s legacy with the Seahawks still shines, his recent downturn with the Steelers has left many teams weighing the risk versus the reward. Yet, the possibility of reuniting with Pete Carroll has sparked excitement among NFL insiders and fans alike.

Whether it’s a final twist in the Steelers saga or the dawn of a Raiders revival, Wilson’s next move promises to shake up the league. Hence, capturing the bittersweet end of one chapter and the thrilling promise of the next in this high‑stakes gridiron saga.

Looks like it is a wait-and-watch situation for both Winston and Russ Wilson.