The New York Giants landed their starting quarterback in Super Bowl winner Russell Wilson, per multiple reports on Tuesday. The one-year deal for the 36-year-old is worth up to $21 million, with $10.5 million guaranteed.
This is the second veteran quarterback in less than a week that the Giants have brought in as they try to address the future of the position. On Sunday, they signed Jameis Winston to a two-year, $8 million contract, which now provides the team with a bona fide backup.
New York showed interest in Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in February and had remained involved on the Aaron Rodgers front. The former Jets quarterback also has interest from the Pittsburgh Steelers, as well.
Giants general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll were interested in four veteran quarterbacks – they landed two of them. Consider it insurance if they draft a quarterback like Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders with the No. 3 pick next month.
Winston and Wilson join Tommy DeVito, for now. Co-owner John Mara made it clear to the public that he must see major improvements this season, or his current regime will be shown the door.
Wilson has won one Super Bowl over the course of his 13-year career. He spent the first 10 years of his career with the Seattle Seahawks, but has bounced between two teams over the past three years; the Denver Broncos for 2022 and 2023 and the Steelers for 2024.
Wilson has been named to 10 Pro Bowls, but he’s never won an Offensive Player of the Year or an MVP. He’ll bring veteran experience to a young offense that features up-and-coming wide receiver Malik Nabers.
Should the Giants opt not to go with a quarterback with the No. 3 pick, Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, Colorado two-way playmaker and 2025 Heisman Trophy Award winner Travis Hunter remain options. Plus, with Mara’s known feelings on losing Saquon Barkley signing with the Philadelphia Eagles, rushing for 2,000 yards, and winning a Super Bowl, maybe they look to add Ashton Jeanty, the running back out of Boise State.
If Schoen and Daboll want to win as many games as possible in an already tough NFC East division, they’ll need to add playmakers.
Rodgers, once again, has dragged out the decision-making on his new team, forcing the Giants to make their own decision. They elected not to wait on the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer, and instead go with a different veteran quarterback.
