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‘Not a backup’- Jameis Winston sends message as J.J. McCarthy arrival increases QB pressure

Jameis Winston has made it clear he no longer sees himself as a backup after taking over as the New York Giants’ starting quarterback, despite the recent arrival of J.J.

Published: Sunday, 4 October 2026 at 7:47 AM
‘Not a backup’- Jameis Winston sends message as J.J. McCarthy arrival increases QB pressure
Key Things to Know
  • Jameis Winston declared he is now a starting quarterback following the New York Giants' trade for J.J. McCarthy.
  • Winston took the starting job after quarterback Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury.
  • The Giants acquired J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings for a 2027 fifth-round pick on September 28.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Jameis Winston asserted he is no longer a backup after taking over as the New York Giants' starting quarterback, responding firmly to reporters following the team's trade for J.J. McCarthy. Winston stepped into the starting lineup after Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury, helping New York earn a 12-7 win over the Tennessee Titans ahead of their Week 4 game against the Cardinals.

The Giants acquired McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick on September 28. Despite Winston's 51.1% completion rate this season, head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy expressed confidence in the veteran as McCarthy opens as the third-string option.

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