Russell Wilson has moved around the NFL in recent years, going from a Super Bowl champion to struggling with a steady spot while dealing with doubts and criticism about his performance.
The 36-year-old quarterback is now officially with the New York Giants after signing a one-year contract on Wednesday, just a day after agreeing to terms with his third team in as many years and his fourth team in five years.
But with the Giants, Wilson is focused on one goal.
“I expect to be the starter and to be able to come here and rock and roll every day,” Wilson said during a Zoom call Wednesday. “I think this team’s really looking for somebody to lead them in every way — in terms of the process, in the offseason, during the season, our habits and our thought process and how we create a great winning culture.
“How do we continue to establish that and to really build on things that we do well and the things that we continue to need to do?”
A source familiar with the contract told The Associated Press that it is worth up to $21 million, with $10.5 million guaranteed. This person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the team didn’t announce financial details.
Wilson joins a quarterback group that includes veteran Jameis Winston, who signed a two-year contract last week, and Tommy DeVito, an exclusive rights free agent who was re-signed on March 8. New York also holds the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft next month and could still choose to select a quarterback.
“The great part about professional sports is constant change, constant movement,” Wilson said. “If we draft a quarterback, we’ll make sure he does everything he can to be ready to go and be prepared with his mentality.
“But for me, I’m focused on winning — what I can do as a quarterback of the New York Giants to help us win and do everything we can to lead?”
Wilson, a 10-time Pro Bowl selection, helped Pittsburgh reach the playoffs last season, throwing for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdown passes, and five interceptions with a 96.5 passer rating. However, the Steelers lost five straight games at the end of the season after a strong 6-1 start with him.
The Steelers allowed Wilson to become a free agent, just like they did with Justin Fields, who signed with the Jets. While there was a chance Wilson could return to Pittsburgh, the Steelers also met with Aaron Rodgers last week, who could still sign there if he decides to play a 21st NFL season.
Russell Wilson throws in the 1st halfWilson met with the Giants and felt that the fit was right
“First of all, Aaron Rodgers is a tremendous football player,” Wilson said. “He’s done some amazing things in this league. I’ve been fortunate that I’ve been able to do some great things, too. What I’m focused on right now is what we can do here. That’s been my focus since I signed.
“Also, too, along the way is finding a place that will continue to believe in you.”
Wilson called Pittsburgh “a special, special place” for him and spoke highly of his former Steelers teammates, including T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward.
“But coming here and being in New York is an exciting place to play,” Wilson said. “It’s a place that wants to win and knows how to win and has won before. For me, it’s bringing everything I know, all the experiences and touchdowns, all the wins, and all the love and passion for the game to the locker room. That’s what I’m really excited for.
“It’s going to be a special, special thing and we’ve got to go work for it every day and go do it.”
Wilson spent part of his night across the Hudson River at Madison Square Garden, where he watched the New York Knicks lose to the Los Angeles Clippers. Wilson, seated next to actor Matthew Modine, was shown on the video board to cheers, signed a football, and then tossed it into the stands to fans.
Wilson played two difficult seasons in Denver after spending 10 years in Seattle, where he helped the team win a Super Bowl in February 2014 at MetLife Stadium — Wilson’s new home stadium.
“I have some amazing memories here,” he said. “Some of my most fond memories of this game that I poured my heart and soul into every day happened right here in this stadium right across the street in MetLife Stadium. I’m excited to create some more memories with some amazing teammates for this amazing fan base.”
Wilson mentioned at least a dozen of his new Giants teammates during his 20-minute chat with reporters. Among those players was young wide receiver Malik Nabers, who spoke to Wilson before the quarterback signed.
“This guy, when he touches the ball, he may score every single time,” Wilson said, adding that Nabers is a “freak of an athlete.”
He also praised his new coach, Brian Daboll, saying “he’s been around greatness and knows what it looks like and sounds like,” pointing out his five Super Bowl rings as an assistant.
“What I like about Dabs is just his mentality, his attack mentality,” Wilson said. “We haven’t been able to talk a whole bunch of ball yet, but I’ve been able to see a bunch over the years and understand who he is.
“I think that’s the exciting part about what we can do and all the guys we have around us.”
