The New York Giants are exploring their options at quarterback ahead of the NFL’s legal tampering period, which begins at noon on Monday. While much of the attention has been on the Giants’ pursuit of New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers, they are also keeping an eye on Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson as a potential free agent target.
According to Paul Schwartz of The New York Post, the Giants are “monitoring” Wilson’s situation as free agency approaches:
“They are keeping an eye on what happens with 36-year-old Russell Wilson, and he could ultimately become their guy,” Schwartz reported.
However, Wilson appears to be more of a backup plan, as the Giants are primarily focused on Rodgers. If they miss out on Rodgers, Wilson seems to be their fallback option. Signing Wilson would still be a solid move for the Giants.
Although the Giants are eager to land either Rodgers or Wilson, neither quarterback seems to be in a rush to commit to New York. Rodgers has kept the Giants waiting while he evaluates other options, hoping for a better situation. Similarly, Wilson may also be seeking a more competitive team, with the Giants positioned as a potential backup choice.
The Giants face a challenge in attracting top-tier quarterbacks, as they offer less than other teams. Coming off a 3-14 season and under leadership that could be on the hot seat, some free agents may view signing with the Giants as a risky move. Nevertheless, if the Giants manage to sign Wilson, it would significantly improve their quarterback play. Although he’s not the player he once was, the 36-year-old Wilson remains an effective quarterback. In 2024, Wilson started 11 games, passing for 2,482 yards with a 16-5 TD-INT ratio, plus two rushing touchdowns.
Wilson led the Steelers to the playoffs last season, finishing with a 6-5 record as the starter. While he might not turn the Giants into a playoff contender overnight, he would provide them with a level of quarterback play they’ve lacked for the past two years.
