ESPN leaves no doubt how they feel about the New York Giants' decision to sign QB Russell Wilson
The New York Giants made a big addition to the roster this week by signing free agent quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year contract worth up to $21 million (the deal includes $10.5 million in guaranteed money for the veteran quarterback). Wilson, a 10-time Pro Bowler, will be playing for his third team in the […]
The New York Giants made a big addition to the roster this week by signing free agent quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year contract worth up to $21 million (the deal includes $10.5 million in guaranteed money for the veteran quarterback).
Wilson, a 10-time Pro Bowler, will be playing for his third team in the last three season (Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024 and the Denver Broncos in 2023).
The expectation is that Wilson will serve as the Giants' starting quarterback in 2025 with Jameis Winston, who was signed by New York earlier this month, serving as a high-end backup.
Wilson, who will turn 37 in November, is undoubtedly nearing the end of his illustrious career. But the former Wisconsin standout can still play at a high level, as evidenced by the fact that he reached his 10th Pro Bowl this past season.
ESPN, however, isn't sold that this was a good move by the Giants. They graded the signing as a "C" while suggesting that it was "unnecessary" and "doesn't help very much".
From ESPN: Signing Wilson is unnecessary, spends money that could be saved for the future and does little to nothing to raise this team's ceiling. Getting Winston for cheap, plus drafting Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart or another rookie QB at No. 3 overall, would have been making the most of a terrible quarterback hand. Adding Wilson costs $10.5 million and doesn't help very much.
In Wilson, the Giants get a quarterback who is in decline but still possesses a high floor. Wilson had a 51.3 QBR for the Steelers last season, which ranked 22nd among quarterbacks. (Winston ranked 19th.) It was the third consecutive season Wilson finished 21st or worse…..Maybe this move signals that the Giants don't believe in Sanders and/or don't think they can land him with the No. 3 pick. I'm not sure that justifies signing both veteran QBs, however. There's no question Winston and a rookie would have been an extremely high-variance option. Wilson increases the Giants' chances of respectability in 2025, but there is no trophy for that. And it's not what New York should be chasing.
I'm not sure I agree with ESPN on this one. It never hurts to have quarterback depth (again, Wilson is in his late 30s…injuries are always a concern). And this isn't a move the Giants are making in an effort to solve the franchise's longterm quarterback issues. New York is still looking for that answer.
Adding Wilson and Winston gives the Giants a chance to compete in 2025 and it doesn't preclude New York from selecting a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft (if an opportunity presents itself). And most of all, this is just a one-year deal, so it's not like the Giants are hamstringing their roster for years to come. If it doesn't work out, they're out $10 to $20 million and they'll just move along to the next option.
It's tough to get the quarterback position right in the NFL. We see teams struggle for years, to no avail, to get it right. The more options you have, the better.
