Easop Winston Bio
Easop Winston Jr. (born December 17, 1996) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Standing 180 centimeters tall and weighing 86 kilograms, he plays the receiver position and has spent time across multiple National Football League rosters since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2020. Winston played college football for the Washington State Cougars after beginning his career at City College of San Francisco.
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Winston built a reputation as a reliable pass catcher through high school and two collegiate stops before launching a professional journey that has carried him through five NFL organizations and, most recently, north of the border to the CFL.
Early Life and Background
Easop Winston Jr. was born on December 17, 1996, to Easop Winston Sr. and Renee Winston. He grew up in South San Francisco, California, and attended Junípero Serra High School in San Mateo, where he played football, basketball, and ran track and field. The multi-sport environment helped shape his athleticism and competitive approach during his formative years.
During his senior season at Junípero Serra, the Padres were named co-champions of the West Catholic Athletic League with Archbishop Mitty. The team went on to defeat Archbishop Mitty in the Central Coast Section Championship Final, claiming the program’s first Open Division sectional championship at any level. Winston was teammates in both football and basketball with future NFL defensive lineman Matt Dickerson, an experience that sharpened his skills against high-level competition.
Path to Professional Football
After high school, Winston began his collegiate career at City College of San Francisco. He grayshirted his first year after enrolling, then emerged as a productive target the following season with 62 receptions for 986 yards and 12 touchdowns. As a sophomore, he caught 71 passes for 1,171 yards and 12 touchdowns, drawing attention from four-year programs.
Winston committed to Washington State over an offer from Eastern Michigan to play out his remaining eligibility. He redshirted his first season with the Cougars, then played the “Z” receiver position as a redshirt junior, recording 52 receptions for 654 yards and eight touchdowns. As a redshirt senior, he caught 85 passes for 970 yards with 11 touchdowns, capping his college career as a dependable volume receiver.
Easop Winston Career
Early Career (2020)
Easop Winston Jr. signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent on April 25, 2020, after going unselected in that year’s NFL Draft. The Rams invited him to compete for a depth role in a crowded receiver room. Winston was waived by Los Angeles during final roster cuts on September 4, 2020, ending his first professional camp without a regular-season appearance.
New Orleans Saints Tenure (2021–2022)
On May 6, 2021, Winston signed with the New Orleans Saints, where he spent most of the offseason and preseason before being waived on August 31, 2021, during final cuts. He was re-signed to the practice squad the following day, allowing him to remain within the organization. On December 12, 2021, he was elevated to the active roster for the Saints’ Week 14 game against the New York Jets, marking his NFL regular-season debut.
Winston signed a reserve/future contract with New Orleans on January 11, 2022, securing a path to the following training camp. He remained with the Saints through the 2022 offseason before being waived on August 15, 2022, opening the door for another opportunity elsewhere.
Cleveland Browns and Seattle Seahawks Stints (2022–2024)
Winston was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns on August 16, 2022, but was waived by the Browns on August 30, 2022, without appearing in a regular-season game. On October 19, 2022, he signed with the Seattle Seahawks practice squad, beginning the longest stop of his professional career.
Winston signed a reserve/future contract with the Seahawks on January 17, 2023, and continued to develop within the organization. On August 29, 2023, he was waived and re-signed to the practice squad, then signed another reserve/future deal on January 8, 2024. He was waived by Seattle on August 27, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad before being released a few days later.
New York Jets Era (2024–2025)
On November 26, 2024, Winston was signed to the New York Jets practice squad, joining another AFC East organization. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 6, 2025, ensuring he would participate in the team’s offseason program. The Jets waived Winston on May 8, 2025, ending his second tenure on a reserve/future deal.
Ottawa Redblacks Era (2025–Present)
On July 9, 2025, the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League announced that Winston had signed with the team’s practice roster, launching his first chapter outside the NFL. The move gave the veteran pass catcher an opportunity to compete for playing time in a three-down league that emphasizes the receiver position.
Driving Style and Strengths
Winston’s college production at Washington State showcased a possession-style receiver capable of handling a heavy target share, particularly from the “Z” alignment. His career-best 85-catch, 970-yard senior season reflected reliable hands and consistent separation against Pac-12 competition.
Notable Events and Milestones
Winston’s most notable professional milestone came on December 12, 2021, when he was elevated from the Saints’ practice squad for a Week 14 game against the New York Jets, marking his NFL regular-season debut. He followed that with a string of reserve/future contracts that kept him in the league across five organizations.
Easop Winston Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Easop Winston Jr. is the son of Easop Winston Sr. and Renee Winston, who raised him in South San Francisco, California. The multi-sport environment at Junípero Serra High School, where he shared a roster with NFL player Matt Dickerson, helped define his competitive foundation.
2025 Season Performance
Winston’s 2025 campaign began with a reserve/future contract from the New York Jets in January, followed by his release on May 8, 2025. The transition provided a fresh start as the Ottawa Redblacks added him to their practice roster on July 9, 2025, offering an opening to climb the CFL depth chart.
Joining a CFL team introduces a new offensive system and a wider field, both of which favor Winston’s possession-style game. His prior practice-squad experience across five NFL organizations equips him with a strong understanding of professional routines.
With the Redblacks focused on integrating veteran receivers into their rotation, Winston’s path to the active roster will depend on his production during practice and any preseason opportunities. A successful debut season in Canada could open the door to a longer-term CFL role beyond 2025.