The New York Giants have signed Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year contract worth up to $21 million, with $10.5 million guaranteed. Wilson, a 10-time Pro Bowl selection, had been in discussions with the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers before opting for New York.
His return to MetLife Stadium is significant, as he won Super Bowl XLVIII there as a member of the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson expressed excitement about joining the Giants and is expected to be their starting quarterback for the upcoming season.
Giants Reshape Quarterback Room but May Still Draft a Future Starter
With Wilson joining the Giants, New York is no longer a potential destination for Aaron Rodgers. The move also leaves Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Wilson’s former team, as potential partners if Rodgers decides to continue playing.
Wilson’s arrival comes just days after the Giants signed Jameis Winston to a two-year, $8 million contract, positioning him more as a backup. The Giants’ quarterback roster now includes Wilson, Winston, and Tommy DeVito, who has played in 12 games for the team over the past two seasons.
Russell Wilson (NFL)Despite signing Wilson, the Giants could still draft a quarterback next month. The team holds the No. 3 pick in the NFL Draft, and owner John Mara has emphasized the need to secure a long-term solution at the position.
Wilson, Winston, and DeVito are all on short-term deals, leaving open the possibility of a young quarterback being selected to develop under Wilson’s guidance. The team previously explored adding Wilson last offseason but decided to stick with Daniel Jones, who was ultimately benched and released.
Wilson’s Recent Struggles and Career Journey Before Joining the New York Giants
Wilson’s move to New York follows a mixed 2024 season with the Steelers. After joining Pittsburgh last offseason on a one-year deal, he battled a calf injury but eventually became the team’s starter in Week 7. He initially led the team to a 6-1 record but struggled late in the season, with the Steelers losing their final five games.
Wilson finished the season with a 6-5 record, throwing 16 touchdown passes to five interceptions while completing 63.7% of his passes. However, he also took 33 sacks, raising concerns about his durability and performance.
Before his stint in Pittsburgh, Wilson played two seasons with the Denver Broncos after being acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Seahawks. The Broncos signed him to a five-year, $242.6 million contract, but the team struggled, finishing 11-19 in his tenure.
Denver released him last March despite the significant financial burden of his contract. Wilson originally spent 10 seasons with Seattle, where he won a Super Bowl and solidified his reputation as one of the league’s top quarterbacks. Over his 13-year career, he has amassed 46,135 passing yards, 350 touchdowns, and a 64.7% completion rate, making him a key figure in NFL history.
