On Tuesday, the New York Giants finally made the decision to sign Russell Wilson to a one-year contract. As expected, media members quickly shared their opinions on social media. Wilson’s 2024 season was a mixed bag; he started the season behind Justin Fields due to injury but eventually took the reins, leading the Steelers to the postseason, where they suffered a significant loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Despite the team’s overall struggles, Wilson showcased moments of brilliance in Pittsburgh, which appears to be a factor in the Giants’ decision to sign him.
First reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Mike Garafalo, and Ian Rapoport, the Giants secured Wilson on a one-year deal with potential earnings of up to $21 million, including $10.5 million guaranteed.
BREAKING: QB Russell Wilson signing with Giants on 1-year, $10.5M guaranteed deal with a chance to earn $21M.
(via @rapsheet, @tompelissero, @mikegarafolo) pic.twitter.com/jVMotE8Z6H
— NFL (@NFL) March 25, 2025
Russell Wilson is undoubtedly a high-profile player with significant experience, but the key question remains: Does his performance still measure up to his reputation? Reactions to the Giants’ signing of Wilson were divided. Analysts like Robert Griffin III, ESPN’s Jordan Reid, and Pro Football Focus’ Steve Palazzolo expressed optimism that Wilson could serve as a competent bridge for any young quarterback the Giants may draft in the coming years. They believe that having a veteran like Wilson might relieve pressure from the coaching staff and help them build a stronger team while focusing on the best available talent in the draft.
I do love that the New York Giants aren’t strapping a rookie QB to a Head Coach and a GM on the hot seat. A vet like Russell Wilson allows Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen to build a stronger team going best available at #3 and try to win to save their jobs. Not going QB at #3 now.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 25, 2025
Don’t think the Russ deal keeps the Giants out of the QB market at No. 3 overall. If anything, it doesn’t put them in a bind if Ward-Sanders are picked at the top. Russ or Jameis is your experienced veteran starter and they can now possibly go BPA.
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) March 25, 2025
Russ signing could also mean that the Giants have good information that the Browns are taking Shedeur
— Steve Palazzolo (@StevePalazzolo_) March 25, 2025
Conversely, some voices, including Giants reporter Connor Hughes and SI’s Jimmy Traina, downplayed the significance of the move, suggesting that Wilson’s arrival does not represent a substantial improvement over the previous quarterbacks, such as Daniel Jones, Tommy Devito, and Drew Lock. They remain adamant that the Giants must focus on securing their franchise quarterback, ideally in the upcoming draft.
I have no problem with #Giants signing Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston. I don’t think they’re much better than Daniel Jones & Drew Lock, but it’s irrelevant. Nothing has changed for what this team must do: Get your franchise QB.
That happens next month pic.twitter.com/oBX2fQrrKO
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) March 25, 2025
Russell Wilson’s schtick will not fly with New York fans or New York media. This won’t end well.
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) March 25, 2025
You’re not only getting Russ, Giants fans, you’re getting this guy too.
— Gregg Giannotti (@GioWFAN) March 25, 2025
Despite the signing, questions linger regarding the Giants’ future plans. Will they pursue a quarterback with their No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft? Is Russell Wilson definitively their starter over Jameis Winston, another veteran addition? How will Wilson, known for his sometimes quirky demeanor in press conferences, navigate the scrutiny of the New York media if the team doesn’t perform well? These questions will soon be addressed, although we know one thing for certain: Wilson won’t be appearing on the Get Up set next season as previously speculated.