Giants Gamble on Russell Wilson: Analyzing the Impact on New York's QB Strategy and 2025 NFL Draft Plans

Evaluating the Giants' Quarterback Moves

The New York Giants made waves in the 2025 NFL free agency by signing veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal worth up to $21 million, with $10.5 million guaranteed. This move comes just days after the team acquired Jameis Winston, raising questions about the Giants' long-term plans at the QB position.

Wilson's Recent Performance

At 36 years old, Wilson is coming off a season with the Pittsburgh Steelers where he threw for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. His 51.3 QBR ranked 22nd among quarterbacks, marking his third consecutive season outside the top 20. While Wilson showed flashes of his former self during a mid-season surge (59 QBR over seven games), he and the Steelers faltered down the stretch, losing their final five games.

Key Concerns:

• Declining accuracy (from +4% completion percentage over expectation 2016-2020 to -1% 2021-2024)
• Increased short-pass tendency (75% under 10 air yards in 2024)
• Rising sack rates (9%+ past three seasons)

The Winston Factor

New York had previously signed Jameis Winston to a cost-effective $4 million deal, which initially appeared to signal their exit from the Aaron Rodgers sweepstakes. The addition of Wilson creates an expensive veteran QB room that:

• Commits $14.5 million to the position
• Features two similar bridge quarterbacks
• Does little to raise the team's ceiling

Draft Implications

Many mock drafts have connected the Giants (picking 3rd) to Colorado's Shedeur Sanders. Wilson's signing could indicate:

1. Lack of confidence in landing Sanders
2. Desire to mentor a rookie QB (Wilson + Winston)
3. Uncertainty about the draft class

Sanders' Profile:

• 4,134 yards, 37 TDs, 10 INTs in 2024
• 74.0% completion percentage
• Elite accuracy but needs pro-style offense experience

Financial and Strategic Analysis

Pros:

• Provides veteran leadership
• Maintains short-term flexibility
• Potential trade chip if contender needs QB

Cons:

• Wastes cap space that could roll over
• Doesn't solve long-term QB needs
• Potentially limits rookie development reps

Grade: C

While Wilson represents a safe floor, this move feels unnecessary given Winston's presence and the opportunity to fully commit to a rebuild. The Giants would have been better served:

• Rolling with Winston as bridge QB
• Drafting their future franchise QB
• Preserving cap space for future needs

The signing doesn't actively hurt New York, but it's hard to see how it substantially helps either.