New York Giants Land Russell Wilson on 1-Year Deal to Lead QB Room

Russell Wilson, the veteran quarterback and former Super Bowl winner, has agreed to a one-year contract with the New York Giants, marking another unexpected chapter in his eventful NFL career. According to league insiders, the deal is worth up to $21 million, with $10.5 million guaranteed. For Wilson, 36, this agreement represents both a fresh opportunity and a symbolic homecoming — returning to the very stadium where he once lifted the Lombardi Trophy as a Seattle Seahawk.

Though Wilson had serious conversations with both the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers — his most recent team — he ultimately decided to sign with the Giants. Sources close to the situation suggest New York was always his preferred destination, driven by both football and personal reasons.

A Stadium of Memories, A Team of Uncertainty

Wilson’s connection to New York goes beyond business. Back in 2014, he led the Seahawks to a dominant Super Bowl victory over the Denver Broncos in MetLife Stadium — the very place he now hopes to reignite his career. But much has changed since those glory days.

The Giants, still struggling to find consistency at quarterback, are taking another calculated gamble. The front office and ownership are not promising long-term stability to Wilson just yet, but they clearly view him as the best available option to lead the offense in 2025. Giants ownership has emphasized that their top organizational priority is finding a true quarterback of the future — and Wilson, Winston, and DeVito might just be temporary stepping stones toward that goal.

A Busy Quarterback Room in the Big Apple

Wilson isn’t walking into a clear-cut starting role without competition. New York recently added another veteran signal-caller, Jameis Winston, on a two-year, $8 million deal. Though Winston’s contract appears to reflect a backup or insurance role, he brings plenty of starting experience himself.

Also still on the roster is Tommy DeVito, a young quarterback who showed flashes of promise during a difficult stretch last season. With three QBs now in the mix and the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, the Giants have no shortage of options. Their decision to bring Wilson aboard may give them the flexibility to draft a quarterback and allow him to learn from an experienced mentor — or it may simply be a stopgap move for a team unsure of its long-term path.

A Deal That Changes the Landscape

Wilson’s signing sends ripples across the NFL, particularly for teams still exploring quarterback options. Notably, it takes the Giants out of the running for Aaron Rodgers, whose name had been loosely connected to the organization amid offseason speculation. Rodgers, still undecided about his 2025 plans, is now being linked more closely with the Steelers, who just lost Wilson after one brief but turbulent year.

In fact, Wilson’s one-year stint in Pittsburgh might go down as one of the most peculiar chapters in recent quarterback history. After joining the Steelers ahead of the 2024 season, Wilson was hampered by a lingering calf injury during the preseason and early regular season. Despite that, he eventually took over the starting job from Justin Fields and immediately went 6-1, reviving hopes for the team.

But the wheels quickly fell off. The Steelers ended the season with five straight losses, and Wilson’s production declined sharply. Over those final games, he tossed just six touchdowns, gave away the ball four times, and was sacked 18 times. The team missed the playoffs, and the Wilson experiment in Pittsburgh came to an anticlimactic end.

A Career Full of Twists and Turns

Before joining the Steelers, Wilson had an even more publicized — and disappointing — tenure with the Denver Broncos. Denver traded a king’s ransom for him in 2022, sending two first-round picks and multiple players to Seattle. They then signed him to a massive five-year, $242.6 million contract. Expectations were sky-high.

Unfortunately for Denver, Wilson never found his rhythm. Over two seasons, the team posted an 11-19 record under his leadership and failed to make the postseason. After two straight underwhelming years, Denver made the tough decision to release him in 2024 — despite the staggering $85 million in dead cap money his departure carried.

That move raised eyebrows across the league, but also made Wilson a fascinating free agent. Was he washed up, or simply a talented player in the wrong system?

Source: Sources: Free agent Russell Wilson agrees to deal with Giants

The Giants’ QB Puzzle Still Unsolved

As Wilson arrives in East Rutherford, he becomes the latest quarterback to try and lift a franchise that has struggled to find offensive stability for years. The Daniel Jones era, once viewed as promising, ended with a whimper. Injuries, inconsistency, and lackluster performances forced the Giants to reevaluate quickly. They cut ties with Jones before the end of the 2024 campaign, creating an opening Wilson now fills.

Still, this signing doesn’t necessarily mean the Giants are all-in on Wilson beyond this season. General Manager Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll have been careful with their language, insisting they’ll continue evaluating all quarterback options — including drafting a potential future franchise star in April.

With the third overall pick in the draft and several elite quarterback prospects available, the Giants may take a young QB and let him sit behind Wilson for a year. That setup would allow Wilson to operate as a bridge — a mentor and a competitor — while New York grooms their next big hope.

What Wilson Brings to New York

Despite the recent bumps in his career, Wilson still boasts a strong résumé. A 10-time Pro Bowler, Wilson has thrown for over 46,000 yards, completed nearly 65% of his passes, and recorded 350 touchdowns with just 111 interceptions across 13 seasons. He’s one of the most experienced and decorated quarterbacks still active in the league.

Moreover, Wilson’s professionalism, leadership, and history of winning could provide a stabilizing force in a Giants locker room that’s endured too many rough seasons. His ability to extend plays, manage games, and handle pressure situations gives New York a fighting chance in close contests — something they’ve sorely lacked.

Of course, critics will point to his recent downward trajectory and wonder if his best days are simply behind him. Others, though, believe a fresh environment and a strong coaching staff could help Wilson rediscover the magic that once made him one of the most feared quarterbacks in the game.

Final Thoughts: A New York Story Waiting to Be Written

Russell Wilson’s decision to sign with the Giants is as much about redemption as it is opportunity. After two tumultuous years in Denver and an up-and-down run in Pittsburgh, he arrives in New York with something to prove — to the league, to fans, and perhaps most of all, to himself.

For the Giants, this move is both bold and measured. They’re not locking themselves into another long-term contract with an aging quarterback. Instead, they’re buying time — and hoping Wilson can deliver enough magic to keep the team competitive while they figure out the future.

Whether Wilson’s story in New York turns into a triumphant comeback or another brief stop on a winding road remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the 2025 Giants just got a lot more interesting.

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