The Cleveland Browns announced the signing of quarterback Jameis Winston to a one-year contract on Wednesday, prompting the former Hueytown High School star to release a goodbye-New Orleans video.

Winston spent his previous four seasons with the Saints.

“The Superdome is the birthplace of my first NFL win,” Winston said, “so saying farewell, I don’t know where to begin.

“I’ll start with expressing gratitude and thanks to all of Who Dat Nation, the Saints organization and especially Mrs. B (Saints owner Gayle Benson)!

“I’m grateful for all my teammates, coaches, trainers, the entire Saints support staff and, honestly, the whole city.

“I’m grateful for the festivals, Mardi Gras, second lines, great music, world-class chefs and witnessing the NOLA culture shine!

“I’m grateful for the love, encouragement, perseverance and real people who embraced this little light of mine.

“I love you, New Orleans, through and through.

“Trust and believe that y’all haven’t seen the last of Jaboo.”

Wednesday’s signing came after a contract agreement between the Browns and Winston that was reported last week.

After signing with Cleveland, Winston recorded an introductory video for Browns fans.

“Public service announcement,” Winston said. “Dawg Pound, what’s up? It’s your new quarterback Jameis Winston coming here to help lead and support and help get us some victories. You know we’re here. We’re live and local. We know you love us. I can’t wait to see you soon. I can’t wait to really get in this building and get to work with Deshaun, get to work with David. It’s going to be unbelievable. Thank you for the support always. I look forward to meeting all y’all soon. Training camp 2024, coming real soon. Thank you.”

Cleveland signed Winston to back up Deshaun Watson. The Browns’ starting quarterback is recovering from a shoulder injury that limited him to six games last season.

The Browns started five quarterbacks in 2023. Dorian Thompson-Robinson remains under contract for 2024 after starting three games as a rookie. Joe Flacco, who started the final five regular-season games and a playoff contest, signed with the Indianapolis Colts after becoming an unrestricted free agent last week.

Winston’s contract with Cleveland has been reported as a one-year, fully guaranteed $4 million deal that includes a $2.79 million signing bonus.

The No. 1 selection in the 2015 NFL Draft, Winston spent five seasons as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ starting quarterback. After Winston led the NFL with 5,109 passing yards and 30 interceptions in the 2019 season, the Bucs switched to Tom Brady in 2020.

Winston chose to sign with New Orleans to back up Drew Brees. When Brees retired after the 2020 season, Winston won a quarterback competition with Taysom Hill for the 2021 season.

Winston had 14 touchdown passes and three interceptions with New Orleans at 5-2 when a knee injury ended his first season as the Saints’ starter.

The Saints responded by trying to acquire Watson from the Houston Texans in the offseason. New Orleans lost that sweepstakes to the Browns and re-signed Winston to a two-year, $28 million contract.

Injuries sent Winston off the field again in 2022, this time after he started the first three games. Back and ankle ailments kept Winston out of uniform for a couple of contests, but when he returned, he didn’t get his job back. The Saints stuck with Andy Dalton at quarterback all the way to the end of a 7-10 season, and Winston didn’t play after Sept. 25.

Last offseason, New Orleans succeeded in its quarterback pursuit – signing Derek Carr after the Las Vegas Raiders released him. That came with an offer to Winston: Take less money to stay on the team in 2023 or be released.

Winston chose the former. In 2023, he completed 25-of-47 passes for 264 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions while playing 76 snaps in seven games.

A two-time All-State football selection at Hueytown High School, Winston was the Class 5A Back of the Year and a Parade and Under Armour All-American in 2011. He also was a three-time All-State player in baseball.

At Florida State, Winston won the Heisman Trophy in 2013, when the Seminoles captured the BCS national championship with an undefeated record.

In 93 NFL regular-season games, Winston has completed 1,763-of-2,882 passes for 22,104 yards with 141 touchdowns and 99 interceptions and run for 1,214 yards and 11 touchdowns on 298 carries.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.