The Giants signed Jameis Winston to be a backup quarterback.
That’s what he is again.
After taking over for Jaxson Dart when Dart was lost for the season with a knee injury, Winston started four games before being pulled in favor of J.J. McCarthy in Sunday’s loss to the Saints at MetLife Stadium.
But with the Giants heading to Houston on Sunday, Winston will find himself back on the bench.
“Every single week, you’re defined [by] the last time you stepped foot on the field,’’ Winston said. “Last game, my job [was] to lead the New York Football Giants to a win and that didn’t happen. That being said, I understand where I’m at now.”
He said he will embrace whatever the Giants ask him to do — which, much like a year ago, may be to mentor another young quarterback.
“I’m extremely grateful I still get to do what I love — and that’s play football at a high level for the New York Football Giants,’’ Winston said. “Being able to accept roles and understand ‘How can I be the best at my role with this team?’ ”
Dart has credited Winston, the first overall pick by the Buccaneers in 2015, with helping him adjust to the NFL.
The Giants hope Winston can have similar success with McCarthy, who will start Sunday for the first time since the final game of last season with the Vikings.
McCarthy called Winston a “great teacher” who “has helped me out from the get-go since I got here.”
Robert Sabo for the NY Post Robert Sabo for the NY Post
On Wednesday, Winston praised the 23-year-old McCarthy, saying he was impressed by the quarterback’s “curiosity.”
“Someone that came in, took the position by the horns and executed very well,’’ Winston said. “He’s embraced a fresh start. I know what it is to feel like you have a chance to start over again.”
Winston, after five seasons in Tampa Bay, went on to the Saints and was 5-2 as a starter in 2021, his second year in New Orleans.
John Harbaugh said Winston was one of the “best teammates [and] best leaders you could ever be around. He wants what’s best for the team. Of course, he wants to play. He wants the ball in his hands. He also wants J.J. to do well and will help him be the best player he can be.”
