ESPN names 'perfect' free agent signing for the New York Giants and not everyone in the fan base will like it
ESPN made a suggestion for the "perfect free agent signing" for the New York Giants this offseason and their choice will almost certainly divide the fan base. It's no secret that the Giants need to find a starting quarterback this offseason. Opinions are split on whether New York should sign a veteran quarterback or select […]
ESPN made a suggestion for the "perfect free agent signing" for the New York Giants this offseason and their choice will almost certainly divide the fan base.
It's no secret that the Giants need to find a starting quarterback this offseason. Opinions are split on whether New York should sign a veteran quarterback or select a quarterback with the No. 3 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
ESPN's "perfect" suggestion is for the Giants to sign 10-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson this offseason.
New York saw Wilson up close last season in late October. Wilson led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 26-18 win against the Giants while passing for 278 yards and a touchdown.
From ESPN: In the Cleveland section, I noted that both the Browns and Giants have similar quarterback situations. While Justin Fields makes more sense for the Browns, Wilson is a better fit for the Giants given that their coach and front office likely can't have another 3-14 season and keep their jobs.
Wilson, who had 2,482 passing yards in 11 starts, can still play at a reasonable level and would provide a higher floor that the Giants can build upon with improvements at other positions. Coach Brian Daboll is a smart offensive mind who should be able to scheme around the limitations of Wilson's aging skill set.
Wilson enjoyed a solid year during his lone season in Pittsburgh, passing for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He also rushed for 155 yards (the lowest total of his career, which highlights his diminishing mobility) and two touchdowns.
The former Wisconsin standout is a bit of a polarizing figure in the NFL and he'll turn 37 next fall. At this point in his career, Wilson is nothing more than a bridge quarterback.
I like the idea of signing Wilson if the Giants also draft a quarterback to sit behind Wilson for a year (or at least a large chunk of the year). I never like the idea of a rookie quarterback starting from day one — it's too big of an adjustment from the college game for most players to make the jump that quickly — so this could be a smart scenario for the Giants if they select a quarterback in the first round.
The only way this can work, though, is if Wilson completely buys into Brian Daboll's offense, as well as the role he would play in New York. If Wilson doesn't totally buy in, it could be a disaster.
