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The New York Giants entered the 2025 NFL offseason needing a new starting quarterback. They presumably found one in Russell Wilson.
The Giants inked a one-year deal with Wilson on Tuesday. The addition marks New York's second free-agent quarterback addition in five days, as the Giants also inked a two-year pact with Jameis Winston on Friday, March 21.
Wilson, 36, is a 10-time Pro Bowler but is set to play for his fourth different team in five years during the 2025 NFL season. Will he provide the Giants with enough of an upgrade at quarterback, or will he continue to be merely a serviceable starter at this point in his career?
Here's a breakdown of the Wilson signing and how he will fit with the Giants.
JAMEIS WINSTON: How Giants QB signing impacts free agent market
Wilson inked a one-year pact with the Giants. Below are the terms of the deal, per ESPN's Adam Schefter:
Wilson's new contract puts him among the NFL's middle class of quarterbacks. His average annual value (AAV) of $21 million ranks 20th league-wide, one spot behind Geno Smith ($25 million) and one spot ahead of Justin Fields ($20 million).
NFL FREE AGENCY GRADES: Do Cowboys, 49ers, Falcons warrant getting an F?
Wilson may not be the quarterback he was during his heyday with the Seattle Seahawks, but there's still little doubt that he's better than what the Giants had at the position last season.
The Giants had four players take snaps at quarterback in 2024: Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito and Tim Boyle. They posted a combined 3-14 record and a 75.87 passer rating.
Comparatively, Wilson posted a 6-5 record in 11 regular-season starts for the Pittsburgh Steelers. His 95.6 passer rating ranked 14th-best in the NFL among qualified passers and he graded as Pro Football Focus' 15th-best quarterback for the 2024 season among 42 qualifiers.
Critics of Wilson will note that he tapered off after a hot start to the season. He lost his final five starts, including a 28-14 playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens, which left a bitter taste in the mouth of Steelers fans hoping to win a postseason game for the first time since 2016.
That said, short of signing Aaron Rodgers – who has been increasingly tied to the Steelers – there wasn't a more proven quarterback available than Wilson. Giants head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen were desperate to land a player who could be a solid starter with both on the hot seat. Wilson can still be capable, and the Giants are taking minimal risk by signing him to a one-year deal.
Inking Wilson also gives the Giants flexibility with the No. 3 overall pick. Many presumed the team would select quarterback Shedeur Sanders there if they couldn't land a top free-agent quarterback. With Wilson in tow, the team can be more selective and potentially target Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter if they aren't sold on Sanders being a franchise quarterback.
Nobody will mistake the Giants for contenders after signing Wilson, but he at least gives them an upgrade and some flexibility at a reasonable price. New York fans certainly won't complain too much about that.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Russell Wilson contract grade: Giants earn solid mark for QB deal
Continue reading...
The Giants inked a one-year deal with Wilson on Tuesday. The addition marks New York's second free-agent quarterback addition in five days, as the Giants also inked a two-year pact with Jameis Winston on Friday, March 21.
Wilson, 36, is a 10-time Pro Bowler but is set to play for his fourth different team in five years during the 2025 NFL season. Will he provide the Giants with enough of an upgrade at quarterback, or will he continue to be merely a serviceable starter at this point in his career?
Here's a breakdown of the Wilson signing and how he will fit with the Giants.
JAMEIS WINSTON: How Giants QB signing impacts free agent market
Russell Wilson contract details
Wilson inked a one-year pact with the Giants. Below are the terms of the deal, per ESPN's Adam Schefter:
- Term: 1 year
- Total value: $21 million
- Guaranteed money: $10.5 million
Wilson's new contract puts him among the NFL's middle class of quarterbacks. His average annual value (AAV) of $21 million ranks 20th league-wide, one spot behind Geno Smith ($25 million) and one spot ahead of Justin Fields ($20 million).
NFL FREE AGENCY GRADES: Do Cowboys, 49ers, Falcons warrant getting an F?
Grading the Russell Wilson signing
Wilson may not be the quarterback he was during his heyday with the Seattle Seahawks, but there's still little doubt that he's better than what the Giants had at the position last season.
The Giants had four players take snaps at quarterback in 2024: Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito and Tim Boyle. They posted a combined 3-14 record and a 75.87 passer rating.
Comparatively, Wilson posted a 6-5 record in 11 regular-season starts for the Pittsburgh Steelers. His 95.6 passer rating ranked 14th-best in the NFL among qualified passers and he graded as Pro Football Focus' 15th-best quarterback for the 2024 season among 42 qualifiers.
Critics of Wilson will note that he tapered off after a hot start to the season. He lost his final five starts, including a 28-14 playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens, which left a bitter taste in the mouth of Steelers fans hoping to win a postseason game for the first time since 2016.
That said, short of signing Aaron Rodgers – who has been increasingly tied to the Steelers – there wasn't a more proven quarterback available than Wilson. Giants head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen were desperate to land a player who could be a solid starter with both on the hot seat. Wilson can still be capable, and the Giants are taking minimal risk by signing him to a one-year deal.
Inking Wilson also gives the Giants flexibility with the No. 3 overall pick. Many presumed the team would select quarterback Shedeur Sanders there if they couldn't land a top free-agent quarterback. With Wilson in tow, the team can be more selective and potentially target Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter if they aren't sold on Sanders being a franchise quarterback.
Nobody will mistake the Giants for contenders after signing Wilson, but he at least gives them an upgrade and some flexibility at a reasonable price. New York fans certainly won't complain too much about that.
Grade: B
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Russell Wilson contract grade: Giants earn solid mark for QB deal
Continue reading...
