Russell Wilson‘s free agency didn’t feature a long list of suitors, but the QB still had a handful of options during the early stages of the offseason. Ultimately, the veteran landed with the Giants, and he said the presence of their top receiver had a major influence on his decision.
During an appearance at Fanatics Fest last weekend, Wilson said Malik Nabers was the main reason he ultimately signed with the Giants.
“I came here because of him,” Wilson said (via Empire Sports Media’s Anthony Rivardo). “I really wanted to play with someone who is special like him.”
It’s easy to understand Wilson’s affection for the young receiver. Even as the Giants shuffled through three different quarterback starters, Nabers continued to put up big numbers.
He ended up setting the NFL rookie record for receptions (109), and he finished his first professional season with 1,204 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. With some consistency under center, there’s hope the former sixth-overall pick can take another leap in 2025.
Even as the Steelers continued to be linked to Aaron Rodgers, Wilson remained interested in returning for a second season in Pittsburgh. The Browns were also mentioned as a potential landing spot, as the quarterback ended up taking a visit to Cleveland. Ultimately, Wilson landed in New York, a move that seemed like a long time coming.
The Giants were a consideration for Wilson as he determined his post-Seahawks options, although Seattle ultimately sent their franchise quarterback to the Broncos. Then, when Wilson hit free agency last offseason, he briefly flirted with the Giants before eventually landing in Pittsburgh.
Wilson is finally in New York, and it sounds like he won’t face any competition for his starting spot to begin the 2025 campaign. According to Dan Duggan of The Athletic, Wilson was spotted taking every first-team rep during OTAs. The QB1 competition would presumably come from first-round rookie Jaxson Dart, although it sounds like the organization intends to keep the Ole Miss product on the bench for the 2025 campaign. Jameis Winston was brought in as a high-quality QB2, and the Giants will also have to determine what they’re going to do with former part-time starter Tommy DeVito.