The New York Giants have officially signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year contract, a move that could signal a turning point for a franchise seeking to improve after a dismal 2024 season. This deal, agreed upon on March 25, 2025, is worth up to $21 million and includes $10.5 million in guaranteed money, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Wilson, a 10-time Pro Bowler, joins the Giants after an eventful stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he averaged over 226 passing yards a game, accumulating 2,482 yards with 16 touchdowns against 5 interceptions. Despite his overall respectable statistics, Wilson’s performance was somewhat marred by a late-season collapse where the Steelers lost five consecutive games, including a playoff matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Giants have been in desperate need of a reliable starting quarterback. Last season, they cycled through four different players, ultimately posting a staggering 3-14 record, which left fans and management alike searching for stability at the position. Wilson's signing comes just days after the Giants inked another veteran, Jameis Winston, to a two-year deal, highlighting the team's strategy to bolster their quarterback room.
Wilson is now set to assume the starting role, providing the Giants with significant upside compared to the players who took snaps last year—Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito, and Tim Boyle. Collectively, these players managed only a 75.87 passer rating, which sharply contrasts Wilson's impressive 95.6 rating last season.
While Wilson may not extend his previous heights to the same level as during his time with the Seattle Seahawks, where he won Super Bowl XLVIII, he still offers a greater level of competency than what the Giants saw in 2024. Under head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, who are themselves under pressure to produce results, Wilson’s experience could serve as a necessary bridge to a more successful future.
Furthermore, the Giants currently hold the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft—positioning that allows them multiple pathways moving forward. With Wilson now on board, they might opt for a strategic choice, bypassing a rookie quarterback such as Shedeur Sanders for a defensive star or an elite skill position player, reflecting the management's willingness to ensure the correct decision based on their quarterback situation.
This signing not only marks the 36-year-old Wilson’s fourth team in just five years, but it also reflects a series of changes in the quarterback landscape within the NFL. As the Giants transition into this new phase, opinions on Wilson's suitability will surely vary. While there remains skepticism, many believe that he can still perform admirably in a system tailored to leverage his strengths.
Reports indicate that during his tenure with the Steelers, Wilson survived an early season calf injury that cost him the first six games, eventually slotting into a starting position after an impressive comeback against the Raiders. This experience will be invaluable as he now leads a Giants team gritty from past frustrations, seeking fresh hope with Wilson as the focal point.
Amid discussions surrounding the Giants' quarterback options and the NFL draft, Wilson's deal has opened possibilities, including the prospect of mentoring a future franchise quarterback should the team choose to invest their high draft pick in one.
Critics may point to Wilson’s recent performance dips, especially during the final five games of the season where he averaged just 171.2 passing yards per game, but he remains inclined to prove his worth in the Big Apple. In doing so, he not only aims to solidify his legacy but also seeks to revitalize the Giants, reestablishing their competitive edge.
This signing also becomes a pivotal moment for Coach Daboll and Schoen, who are aiming to turn the team around after back-to-back seasons riddled with setbacks. Moreover, it raises questions about the continuity of the roster moving forward, notably the positions held by Winston and other quarterbacks on the depth chart. The Giants hope this influx of talent will pay dividends in the coming season, as the team looks to escape the shadows of their lackluster previous year.
With Wilson now leading the charge, fans and analysts alike will be weighing the potential for success amid heightened expectations. Though the immediate outlook may not cast the Giants as frontrunners in the NFC East, the addition of Wilson is perceived as a substantial step towards improving their fortunes and initiating a much-needed revival.
As the NFL draft approaches and pundits speculate on how the Giants will utilize their pick, the team’s management seems to be making a concerted effort to build a balanced and competitive roster—one that may finally steer them back into the playoff picture.
