EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Giants have signed Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year contract, according to multiple reports. The deal is worth up to $21 million, including $10.5 million guaranteed. Wilson, a 10-time Pro Bowler, has spent the last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers after being released by the Denver Broncos. He is set to become the starting quarterback for the Giants this upcoming season.
In a season that saw the Giants struggling, they finished with a disappointing 3-14 record, leading to the release of their previous starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, who was on a four-year, $160 million contract. The decision came following a lackluster start to the season, where Jones led the team to a 2-8 record. With Wilson now on board, the Giants have also added Jameis Winston, who came in on a two-year contract worth $8 million approximately a week ago. This acquisition positions Wilson, Winston, and Tommy DeVito as the three quarterbacks for New York.
The team's explorations to improve their quarterback situation included trade talks with the Los Angeles Rams over Matthew Stafford and their involvement in the pursuit of Aaron Rodgers, who is now likely headed to the Steelers. Wilson was recognized as a viable option throughout the offseason as the Giants sought ways to bolster their roster.
Last season with the Steelers, Wilson began the year while recovering from a calf injury that kept him sidelined for the first six games. Once he took over as the starter, Wilson recorded a 6-5 record, throwing for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions while maintaining a passer rating of 95.6. The Steelers reached a 10-7 record by season's end before facing elimination in the wild-card round of the playoffs against the Baltimore Ravens.
During his time in Pittsburgh, Wilson demonstrated significant ups and downs, winning five out of his first six starts but then struggling toward the season’s conclusion with a five-game losing streak. Throughout his 11 starts, Wilson completed 63.7% of his passes, showcasing his ability, even in a transition period following his tenure with the Broncos.
Prior to his time with the Steelers, Wilson was with the Denver Broncos from 2022 to 2023 under a massive five-year, $242.6 million deal that resulted in only an 11-19 record during his stay, ultimately leading to his release due to a salary-cap penalty exceeding $85 million. Wilson began his career in Seattle, where he led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory and earned multiple accolades throughout ten successful seasons.
The Giants now hold the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, which adds another layer to their quarterback pursuits. It's uncertain whether the team will select another quarterback in the draft, with promising prospects like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders on the table. However, with Wilson being viewed as a stopgap option at age 36, the Giants may still be on the lookout for a long-term solution.
Despite the turbulent changes in quarterbacks, the Giants have a bright spot in their young roster, including star receiver Malik Nabers, who recorded a franchise-high 109 receptions in his rookie season. The Giants also have offensive talents like Wan'Dale Robinson and running back Tyrone Tracy, who both showed promise during the previous season.
This new chapter for Wilson in New York symbolizes both an opportunity for redemption for the talented quarterback and a fresh start for the Giants as they aim to return to playoff contention.
