The New York Giants introduced newly signed quarterback Russell Wilson on Wednesday, who reportedly agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $21 million with incentives.
Wilson is one of the most accomplished quarterbacks of his era. He is a 10-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion (XLVIII).
The veteran quarterback will look to reenergize the Giants, who are coming off a 3-14 campaign, a record that doesn’t seem to concern Wilson.
“I love adversity. I love challenges. I love the underdog mentality,” Wilson told reporters Wednesday. “Maybe it’s being 5-foot-11 and people telling you you can’t do something… Being in New York, it’s an exciting place to play. It’s a place that wants to win, it’s a place that knows how to win and has won before.”
He will join fellow free-agent addition Jameis Winston on the roster. The franchise still has at least one major move to make, holding the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which could be a quarterback.
When asked about competition for the starting QB role, Wilson said, “I expect to be the starter, and come in here ready to rock and roll every day, to be able to lead. I think this team is really looking for someone to lead them every day, in terms of the process in the offseason, during the season, our habits and our thought processes and how we create a great winning culture.”
ESPN reported Wednesday that Wilson’s deal for $10.5 million has a complicated incentive package that would bring him another $7.5 million in playing-time, performance and playoff incentives plus up to $3 million related to wins and percentage of plays made.
After spending nine years with the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos in a blockbuster deal in 2022. After an underwhelming two-year tenure, he was released in 2024 and signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Last season, Wilson got back on track, throwing for 2,382 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 11 games, guiding the Steelers to a 6-5 record in those contests. He also rushed 155 yards and two touchdowns. The signal caller earned his first Pro Bowl nod since 2021.
Wilson started for the Steelers’ AFC wild-card loss to the Baltimore Ravens, but he put up strong numbers, completing 20 out of 29 passes for 270 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. The Steelers mustered only 29 total rushing yards in the game.
The Giants reportedly had interest in four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, who remains unsigned.
