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.