Russell Wilson did everything but cook in what was undoubtedly a one-and-done season with the New York Giants.
After signing a one-year, $10.5 million deal with New York last offseason and being named the starter to open the year, Giants fans seemingly ran Wilson out of the job. He went 0-3 as the starter, with his only strong outing coming in Week 2 against the Cowboys, where he threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns in what turned into a crushing overtime loss.
Jaxson Dart was named the starter by Week 4 and did not look back. While Dart was sidelined for two games with a concussion, interim head coach Mike Kafka opted to roll with Jameis Winston over the former Super Bowl champion during his absence. And with this miserable season for the Giants now in the books, Wilson all but confirmed he won't be running things back in 2026 with Big Blue.
Russell Wilson says goodbye after disappointing stint with the Giants
Wilson, among many Giants players, met with reporters on Monday at MetLife Stadium. Even though he didn't directly admit it, the veteran signal-caller seemingly said his goodbyes to this historic franchise, as well as praising the organization:
"What an amazing place, what an amazing organization - truly first class in every way," Wilson said.
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This was certainly not the experience Wilson envisioned when he signed here last March -- even though he knew he was just a placeholder until Dart was deemed ready. Still, he could not have been more gracious, and he showed his class (something nobody should be surprised by). This is what a team player and veteran leadership looks like.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for the Russ Bus as an NFL starter, especially given his age and the lack of success he's had as a starter over the last couple of seasons. He has, however, shown his veteran leadership and presence and teams like the New York Giants with young quarterbacks are forever grateful for.