Winston wants to re-sign with Browns: 'I’ve truly embraced this city'

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston expressed his desire Wednesday to re-sign with the Cleveland Browns after the 2024 campaign.

"Of course" Winston said when asked if he wants to return next season, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. "I've truly embraced this city, I love the hard nose, I love the beautiful trees three months out the year. It's truly, everywhere I go ... I talk about I'm grateful and it's as simple as that, man."

He added: "I'm grateful for the fans challenging me. I'm grateful for the fans lifting me up. I'm grateful for you all challenging me and lifting me up, man."

Winston signed a one-year, $4-million contract with the Browns in March. He took over the starting quarterback job in Week 8 after Dorian Thompson-Robinson was sidelined due to a finger injury. Thompson-Robinson was named the starting signal-caller following Deshaun Watson's season-ending Achilles ailment.

The 30-year-old Winston shined in his first start, throwing for 334 yards and three touchdowns in a win over the Baltimore Ravens. He's 2-2 in four starts and coming off a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football.

Winston has gone viral this year for his excitement during games and entertaining interviews with reporters before and after contests.

"I enjoy it," Browns running back Nick Chubb said of Winston's personality. "I think our team feeds off of that. We all need a guy on the team that's like Jameis. He brings that part to our team and everyone appreciates him."

Chubb added: "He's a competitor, next-play guy. No matter what happens in the game, we still have a chance to come back and get a win with him."

Watson is under contract over the next two seasons with $72-plus million cap hits in 2025 and 2026. The Browns will have their first-round pick in the upcoming draft for the first time since executing the Watson trade in 2022.

Winston has 1,183 passing yards with six touchdowns and four interceptions over four starts this season.

The Browns will take on the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football.