By Emil Champlin
In a significant move to bolster their quarterback room, the New York Giants have signed Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year contract on March 25, 2025. The deal, reported by multiple sources including ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, is worth up to $21 million, with $10.5 million guaranteed. This signing marks a new chapter for both Wilson and the Giants as they aim to turn around a franchise that has struggled in recent seasons.
A Fresh Start for Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson, a 36-year-old veteran with a storied career, joins the Giants after spending the 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. During his time in Pittsburgh, Wilson started 11 games, finishing with a 6-5 record, throwing for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions. While he started strong, leading the Steelers to a 6-1 stretch, his performance faded late in the season, with the team losing its final five games, including a playoff defeat. Despite the uneven finish, Wilson’s experience and pedigree made him a sought-after free agent in the 2025 offseason.
Wilson’s journey to New York is his third team change in as many years. After a decade of success with the Seattle Seahawks—where he won Super Bowl XLVIII and earned nine Pro Bowl selections—Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos in 2022. His two-year stint in Denver was disappointing, resulting in an 11-19 record and his eventual release in 2024. The Steelers offered him a one-year, $1.21 million prove-it deal, and now the Giants are betting on his ability to stabilize their quarterback position.
Giants’ Quarterback Overhaul
The Giants’ decision to sign Wilson comes as part of a broader effort to address their quarterback woes. The team finished the 2024 season with a dismal 3-14 record, cycling through multiple starters, including Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito, and Tim Boyle. Jones, once seen as the franchise’s future, was released in November 2024 after a lackluster performance following his four-year, $160 million extension. General Manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, both under pressure after a combined 9-25 record over the past two seasons, have made it clear that finding a reliable quarterback is their top priority.
Just days before Wilson’s signing, the Giants added former No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston to a two-year, $8 million deal. With Tommy DeVito also re-signed to a one-year contract earlier in March, the Giants now have a trio of quarterbacks with varying levels of experience. Wilson is widely expected to take the reins as the starter, with Winston serving as a capable backup and DeVito likely relegated to a depth role or practice squad position.
What Wilson Brings to New York
At his peak, Wilson was one of the NFL’s premier dual-threat quarterbacks, known for his deep-ball accuracy and ability to extend plays with his legs. While his recent years have been less consistent, his 2024 performance showed he can still be effective, posting a 96.5 passer rating and ranking 14th among qualified passers according to Pro Football Focus. His career stats—46,135 passing yards, 350 touchdowns, and a 99.8 passer rating—speak to his durability and talent over 13 NFL seasons.
For the Giants, Wilson’s signing provides immediate stability and a bridge to the future. Wide receiver Darius Slayton, who re-signed with the team earlier this offseason, has already expressed excitement about Wilson’s signature deep ball, a weapon that could elevate an offense that ranked 28th in passing yards (189.9 per game) and 31st in points (16.1 per game) in 2024. Rookie standout Malik Nabers, who broke records despite poor quarterback play last season, stands to benefit significantly from Wilson’s veteran presence, as does second-year wideout Jalin Hyatt, who has yet to fully break out.
Draft Implications and Long-Term Plans
While Wilson’s arrival addresses the Giants’ immediate need at quarterback, it doesn’t necessarily signal the end of their search for a long-term solution. With the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, New York remains in prime position to select a top quarterback prospect like Miami’s Cam Ward or Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. Schoen has not ruled out using both free agency and the draft to reshape the position, and owner John Mara has emphasized finding a “quarterback of the future” as the team’s primary goal.
The one-year nature of Wilson’s contract suggests he could serve as a stopgap while a rookie develops, much like he did in Pittsburgh alongside Justin Fields (who has since signed with the New York Jets). If the Giants draft a quarterback, Wilson’s experience could prove invaluable as a mentor, while Winston provides additional insurance.
A New Era in New York?
The Giants’ signing of Russell Wilson is a bold step toward reclaiming relevance in the NFC East. After years of instability at quarterback and back-to-back losing seasons, the team is banking on Wilson’s leadership and playmaking ability to spark a turnaround in 2025. While he may not be the long-term answer at 36 years old, his track record—including a Super Bowl win at MetLife Stadium, the Giants’ home field—offers hope that he can deliver results in the short term.
As the draft approaches and the season looms, all eyes will be on Wilson and the Giants’ revamped quarterback room. For a franchise desperate to win, this move could be the first piece of a larger puzzle—or at least a signal that New York is ready to compete again.
Emil Champlin is a freelance writer for Veritas Expositae
You can reach him at emil.champlin@veritasexpositae.com
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