Jameis Winston, like many, many quarterbacks that have played for the Browns in the expansion era, was here one March and gone the next. Winston became the 39th quarterback to start for the Browns since 1999 when he faced the evil Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 27 last year. One week earlier, Deshaun Wats on’s season ended with a torn right Achilles tendon in a game with the Bengals. And what a debut it was for Winston. He threw three touchdown passes to lead a come-from-behind 29-24 victory over the franchise that, from 1946 to 1996, called Cleveland home. His last touchdown pass of the day was 38 yards to Cedric Tillman with 59 seconds to play. The Browns lost their next two games with Winston starting. Then on a Thursday night nationally televised against the Steelers in a snowstorm at Huntington Bank Field, Winston led another come-from-behind victory, 24-19, when Nick Chubb scored on a two-yard run with 57 seconds to play. Winston’s numbers were not outstanding in the Pittsburgh game. He completed 18 of 27 passes for 219 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. But it did not matter. The fans loved it because he beat the Ravens and Steelers in the same season. Winston celebrated beating the Steelers by lying on his back between the sidelines and making snow angels along with several of his teammates. The Browns did not re-sign Winston for 2025. He threw 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his time with the Browns. He was 2-5 as the starter. The Browns, with Watson, Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Bailey Zappe starting the other 10 games were 1-9. Winston on April 3 penned a letter to Browns fans on Instagram. The enthusiasm he showed in his brief time in Cleveland bubbled through his words. “Dear Cleveland,” Winston wrote. “I’m so happy and grateful for everything we experienced together this past year. From day one, you welcomed my family and me with open arms — and for that, I’m forever thankful. “To the Dawg Pound: you were electric. Snow or shine, highs or lows, your energy never wavered. You reminded us all what loyalty, passion, and community really look like. This year was one of growth, service, and adaptability — not just for me personally, but for my family as well. And Cleveland, you played a major role in that. The spirit of this city, the heart of its people, and the bond we’ve built will always be with us. “One moment I’ll never forget — beating the Pittsburgh Steelers on ‘Thursday Night Football’ in what turned out to be the most iconic snow game in NFL history. The energy, the emotion, the unity — we all felt it. That night was Cleveland at its finest. “To the amazing men and women who make this city special: thank you. You’ve made a lasting impact on our lives, helping us rise to a greater calling — one rooted in unity, service, and love. Wishing you continued blessings, prosperity, and nothing but the best. “With deep gratitude, Jameis Winston” Winston, 31, signed a one-year contract with the Giants last month. It will be the fourth team for the player selected first overall by the Buccaneers in the 2015 draft. He played for the Buccaneers and Saints before signing with the Browns.   ...read more read less