Brian Daboll and the New York Giants revamped their quarterback room with two experienced signal-callers by signing both Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston ahead of the 2025 NFL season. And if there’s someone who knows what to expect from both, that’s Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton.
Payton first worked with Winston during his time on the New Orleans Saints before having Wilson in his first year at the helm of the Broncos. So what can he tell Daboll and the Giants about these two quarterbacks?
Speaking at the NFL annual meetings in Palm Beach, Florida, last week, Payton showed nothing but praise for both players. The Broncos head coach let the Giants know that we’re talking about very different quarterbacks, but believes they will make a good combination for Daboll.
“Both of those guys, honestly [I] had good experiences, obviously, in working with them,” Payton said, via Sports Illustrated. “They’re different types of players and personalities. That’ll be interesting.
“Obviously, Jameis is someone who is infectious. A lot of times, you hear him before you see him. That’s not a bad thing. And Russ is someone who’s internally driven, someone who you see the work ethic. I think it will be a good room.”
Payton believes Wilson and Winston will bring football passion to NY
Perhaps the biggest compliment both Wilson and Winston got from their former coach is that Payton highlighted their commitment to the game. And it should also be a great sign for Daboll’s Giants.
“I think they’re passionate about playing,” Payton said of Wilson and Winston. “I think they’re very passionate workers about playing. I would say they’re football-driven, and I think that’s important.”
Payton’s experience with Winston in New Orleans
Winston spent two years under Payton on the Saints, becoming New Orleans’ starting quarterback when Drew Brees retired after the 2020 NFL season. The former first overall pick went 5-2 in his first year as the Saints QB1 in 2021 before suffering a season-ending ACL injury.
Payton’s challenging stint with Wilson in Denver
Payton left New Orleans after 15 years in 2022, returning to head coaching in 2023 to helm the Broncos. The expectations were sky-high as he’d get to work with Wilson, who struggled the previous year under Nathaniel Hackett.
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However, that situation seemed to be beyond repair. Wilson left a lot to be desired with Payton as well, with the coach eventually benching Russ prior to the player’s release ahead of the 2024 NFL season.