The New York Giants have finally found their starting quarterback by signing veteran Russell Wilson, formerly a Pittsburgh Steeler.
The contract is reportedly for $21.5 with $10 million guaranteed on one season. It is an expensive contract, but for just one year, making Wilson seemingly the short-term starter.
With the Giants front office and coaching staff on the hot seat, signing Wilson to a one-year deal seems to be the move to try and save their jobs. Given the available quarterbacks on the market, nabbing Wilson is a solid move.
Wilson went 6-5 in 11 starts with the Steelers, putting up 16 touchdowns on just five interceptions. He wasn’t anything special, but he did solid enough to earn a starting job this coming season.
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The 36 year old is on the decline, but is likely the best option the Giants realistically had as a starter next season. He is an upgrade on Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, and Tommy DeVito surely.
The Giants now have replaced Jones and Lock with Wilson and Jameis Winston, a big improvement on talent, experience, and locker room presence.
The most interesting part of the deal is how it compares to Winston, who the Giants also just signed. Winston signed for less money with just $4 million guaranteed for two seasons, so it seems like drafting a quarterback, at least with the third pick, is off the table.
However, if Shedeur Sanders were to fall to them, the team would have the flexibility to cut Winston and keep Sanders as a backup to Wilson while he develops. The team has intriguing flexibility at the position.
The biggest question mark for Wilson’s success will be the rest of the team around him. The Steelers had a pretty weak offense surrounding Wilson, with George Pickens being the most talented player there, albeit an inconsistent one.
Malik Nabers as a rookie was stellar, and is already a top receiver in the league and much more talented than any of the players the Steelers had. They could add another supreme offensive talent in wide receiver/corner Travis Hunter with the no. 3 pick if they want, forming an intriguing, dynamic offense that complete passes at all levels.
As long as the offensive line can hold up and help out the running game, the Giants could actually have an above average offense as long as Wilson plays decently well.
Overall, the Giants adding Wilson for one year seems like smart business, and doesn’t limit their ability to pivot if things don’t go quite as expected in the NFL draft.
Grade: B+
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