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

Jameis Winston stated he no longer views himself as a backup after taking over as the New York Giants' starting quarterback, following a season-ending knee injury to Jaxson Dart. Winston rejected the backup label during media availability ahead of the Giants' Week 4 game against the Arizona Cardinals, despite New York acquiring quarterback J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick.

Winston led the Giants to a 12-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans, passing for 118 yards. McCarthy currently sits as the third-string option behind Winston and Jake Haener, while head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy have voiced their support for Winston.