‘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. McCarthy.

Winston stepped into the starting role after Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury, leading the Giants to a 12-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans. However, his position now comes with added pressure following New York's trade for McCarthy.

The Giants acquired the former Minnesota Vikings quarterback for a 2027 fifth-round pick on September 28. McCarthy has initially landed behind Winston and Jake Haener, but his arrival has naturally raised questions about the future of the position.

Jameis Winston refuses to accept backup label

During post-practice media availability ahead of their Week 4 clash, Winston was quick to correct a reporter who referred to him in the context of developing backup quarterbacks.

"I've never said something to that manner… Like, I don't have any place for excuses. It's our job, right?" Winston said. "It's a privilege, whatever role that you get. And you keep saying backup—I'm not a backup no more. I'm a starter, so I'm getting the first team reps like the majority of them now."

Winston also insisted that McCarthy's arrival has not made him feel disrespected. Instead, he described the competition as a challenge to improve.

"I feel challenged to get better every single day. So, I just think that's the makeup of who I am as a person. Always looking for ways to build on the positives and eliminate the negatives," he said.

Winston has completed just 51.1% of his passes this season and has a 22.9 QBR, while the Giants have scored only 18 points across their last two games, all through field goals. He also recorded just 118 passing yards against Tennessee, although the Giants secured the win.

Coach John Harbaugh has backed the veteran, while offensive coordinator Matt Nagy also expressed confidence in him.

For now, McCarthy is learning the offence as the third-string quarterback. But Winston knows the equation is simple: he has to play well enough to keep the Giants from considering a change.

"I have to play well regardless. That's it," Winston said. "It doesn't matter who's in the building. When you're the quarterback for the New York Football Giants, you have to give your team a chance to win."

The Giants take on Cardinals in their Week 4 clash at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford.