The New York Giants’ quarterback search is flopping like a fish out of water, and Russell Wilson isn’t making it any easier. The veteran quarterback has now visited both the Cleveland Browns and the Giants in free agency, and after two days of meetings, he’s left both without a deal.
This is (once again) a big-time problem for Big Blue. The Giants have already missed out on Matthew Stafford, Justin Fields, and Sam Darnold. Aaron Rodgers is on his own time deciding his future, and there’s no telling when—or if—he’ll make a decision. That essentially leaves Wilson as the most viable option left, and yet, he’s walking out of East Rutherford with a full stomach and without a contract.
And in a quarterback market that’s shrinking by the minute, this is quickly becoming the NFL's most annoying game of chicken.
NY Giants and Russell Wilson apparently stuck over contract terms
Wilson’s visit with the Browns ended with no deal, even after Cleveland brought in Myles Garrett and Deshaun Watson to try and convince him to sign (shocker). With the Browns potentially exploring other options, the Giants could become the potential front-runner for Wilson.
But now, after a full day of meetings in New York, Wilson is still unsigned, leaving the Giants stuck in quarterback purgatory.
Well, a major update has been reported on the Russ front. According to trusted source Rubén F. Vargas, Wilson wants a two-year contract, but the Giants are offering him one. But with Rodgers now more likely to end up in Minnesota or Pittsburgh, the Giants may have to reconsider their stance if they want a legitimate veteran mentor for their presumed rookie quarterback. Vargas says to expect big moves on Monday, March 17. Fingers crossed it's something good.
The problem with the potential holdup? A two-year deal ties New York to Wilson beyond 2025, limiting their ability to pivot next offseason if things don’t work. A one-year contract gives them flexibility. But from Wilson’s perspective, committing to a team without an extra year or two of security might not be for him. Which is wild for a guy who has earned over $305 million in his career, according to Spotrac. That feels like enough security.
At this point, what choice do the Giants really have?
For general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, the clock is clearly ticking. With no other quarterback on the roster besides Tommy DeVito, and no clear answer in free agency or the draft, the Giants can’t afford to sit on their hands much longer. If they don’t figure this out soon, the Giants are setting themselves up for failure... again.