New York Giants Sign Russell Wilson: A New Chapter Begins
On March 25, 2025, the New York Giants made a significant move in the NFL offseason by signing veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal worth up to $21 million, with $10.5 million guaranteed. This article will delve into the details of this signing, exploring Wilson’s illustrious career statistics, the teams that vied for his services, and those he expressed interest in joining. Additionally, we’ll assess the potential impact Wilson could have on the Giants’ performance, how this signing might influence their strategy in the upcoming NFL Draft, and who is likely to emerge as the starting quarterback. To round it out, we’ll highlight fan reactions—both optimistic and skeptical—and include a humorous fan quote that captures the buzz surrounding this blockbuster move.
Russell Wilson’s Career Stats
Russell Wilson, now 36, brings a wealth of experience to the Giants. Over his 13-year NFL career, he has played for the Seattle Seahawks (2012-2021), Denver Broncos (2022-2023), and Pittsburgh Steelers (2024), amassing impressive numbers. Wilson has started 199 regular-season games, holding a 121-77-1 record. His career passing stats include 46,135 yards, a 64.7% completion rate (3,882 of 6,001 attempts), 350 touchdowns, and 111 interceptions, giving him a 99.8 passer rating—ranking fifth in NFL history among quarterbacks with at least 1,500 attempts. On the ground, he’s equally dynamic, with 1,024 rushes for 5,462 yards (fourth among quarterbacks in NFL history) and 31 rushing touchdowns. In the postseason, he’s 9-8, including a Super Bowl XLVIII victory with the Seahawks, where he threw for two touchdowns in a 43-8 rout of the Broncos at MetLife Stadium—ironically, the Giants’ home turf.
Teams That Showed Interested in Russell Wilson
Wilson’s availability sparked interest from multiple teams this offseason. The Cleveland Browns were in the mix, seeking a veteran presence amid uncertainty with Deshaun Watson’s injury recovery and underwhelming options like Kenny Pickett. The Pittsburgh Steelers, where Wilson played in 2024, also considered retaining him after he went 6-6 as a starter (including playoffs), throwing for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. However, their pursuit of Aaron Rodgers reportedly cooled their interest in a Wilson reunion. The Giants emerged as the frontrunners, outbidding these suitors and leveraging Wilson’s prior interest in the team from a year ago.
Teams Russell Wilson Showed Interested In
Wilson’s decision wasn’t just about who wanted him—he had preferences too. Sources indicated he was keen on the Giants, a sentiment that dates back to last offseason when he visited them but opted for Pittsburgh after being offered only a backup role behind Daniel Jones. This time, with Jones gone and the Giants promising a starting gig, New York aligned perfectly with his ambitions. While Wilson also met with the Browns and Steelers, his excitement about returning to MetLife Stadium—where he won a Super Bowl—suggests the Giants were a top choice, especially as he aims to play “five to seven more years,” as he stated in 2024.
Estimated Impact on the Giants
Wilson’s arrival is poised to stabilize a Giants offense that floundered in 2024, finishing 3-14 with a quarterback carousel of Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito, and Tim Boyle. With his still-potent deep ball and playmaking ability, Wilson could elevate young stars like Malik Nabers (109 receptions in 2024) and Darius Slayton, potentially boosting the team’s 28th-ranked passing attack (189.9 yards per game) and 31st-ranked scoring offense (16.1 points per game). While his mobility has waned—he was noticeably less agile during Pittsburgh’s late-2024 skid—his experience and arm talent should provide a bridge to competitiveness, offering head coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen a reprieve from mounting pressure after two dismal seasons.
Impact on the Giants’ Draft Decision
The Giants hold the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and Wilson’s signing adds flexibility to their strategy. Previously, many assumed they’d target a quarterback like Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders or Miami’s Cam Ward to replace Jones long-term. Now, with Wilson and Jameis Winston (signed earlier to a two-year, $8 million deal) in the fold, they might not feel compelled to reach for a quarterback early. They could opt for a blue-chip prospect like Penn State’s Abdul Carter or Colorado’s Travis Hunter if the top QBs are off the board—especially with the Titans and Browns picking ahead at Nos. 1 and 2. Alternatively, they could still draft a passer to develop behind Wilson, balancing short-term stability with future planning.
Likely Starting Quarterback and Why
Wilson is the projected QB1 heading into 2025, and it’s easy to see why. His résumé—10 Pro Bowls, a Super Bowl ring, and consistent production—dwarfs that of Winston and DeVito. Winston, though capable (he threw 30 interceptions in 2019 but showed flashes in 2024), hasn’t been a full-time starter since 2019 and is likely the backup. DeVito, a fan favorite, remains a developmental option after limited action. Wilson’s $10.5 million guaranteed salary signals the Giants’ intent to start him, banking on his veteran savvy to steady the ship while a rookie, if drafted, learns the ropes. Unless his performance craters as it did late in Pittsburgh’s 2024 season, he’s the clear frontrunner.
The Bright Side Fan Reactions
- Optimism from @FFPhinest on X: “Russell Wilson to NYG! The 10x pro-bowler is heading to the ‘Big Apple’ now armed with Malik Nabers as his top WR for 2025. #breakingnews”
- Hope from Giants Daily: “Quick reaction to the Russell Wilson signing: Travis Hunter.. you are a NY Giant.”
Never Happy Fan Reactions
- Skepticism from @OTLFFootball on X: “This may just be insurance for Daboll & Schoen in case Sanders and Ward are both off the board.”
- Doubt from Warren Sharp: “The year is 2025, both QBs [Wilson and Winston] are signed to the Giants on short-term deals earning backup-QB “
On The Bright Side
From @Eddie Spaghetti on X: “Feel like I’m in an episode of the Twilight Zone.”
Wilson’s signing marks a pivotal moment for the Giants as they aim to rebound in 2025. Whether he’s the spark they need or just a bridge to the future, the “Dangeruss” era at MetLife has begun—let’s ride!