Russell Wilson reacts to the Giants' offseason quarterback plans and how Aaron Rodgers was part of the picture
A big part of the puzzle to be a successful NFL quarterback is self confidence. You have to feel strong, feel like you can play at a high level, and ultimately you want to feel appreciated. That was part of the decision for Russell Wilson to sign with the New York Giants in free agency.But […]
A big part of the puzzle to be a successful NFL quarterback is self confidence. You have to feel strong, feel like you can play at a high level, and ultimately you want to feel appreciated. That was part of the decision for Russell Wilson to sign with the New York Giants in free agency.
But it wasn't necessarily a smooth process all along. Before signing Wilson to a one-year, $10.5 million contract that can go up to $21 million with incentives, the Giants were reportedly waiting for another quarterback to make his decision. After weeks of wait, though, Aaron Rodgers is still unsigned—but closer to the Pittsburgh Steelers or retirement. So New York pulled the trigger.
Despite being considered a Plan B throughout the process, Wilson is comfortable with his situation on the Giants.
"Aaron Rodgers is a tremendous football player," Wilson said during his first press conference as a Giants quarterback. "He has done some amazing things in this league. I've been fortunate to be able to do some great things too, and really what I'm focused on is right now and what we can do here."
After years as a bona fide franchise quarterback with the Seattle Seahawks, Russell Wilson has gone through some ups and downs moments in the NFL. He was traded to the Denver Broncos for a monster package in 2022, but it didn't pan out, and spent a year for a veteran minimum salary on the Pittsburgh Steelers last season—a relationship that was seen as beyond repair after the start of free agency. Now, even if the Giants also signed Jameis Winston and is still considering drafting another one, Wilson sees an opportunity to be valued.
"That's been my focus since I've signed and everything else," Wilson added. "And also, along the way, is finding a place that continues to believe in you."
Half of Wilson's contract total value is guaranteed, which is $10.5 million. The other half is based on incentives. The quarterback can make up to $7.5 million via playing time, performance, and playoff incentives, and $3 million via wins in which he plays more than 50% of the offensive snaps.
Russell Wilson joining the Giants sets off a ripple effect of positives and negatives that could reshape the franchise’s future
Veteran quarterback signed a one-year deal
