The New York Giants signed quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal this offseason. Despite the team trading into the first round for Jaxson Dart, Wilson is going to be the team’s indefinite starter. He took all the first-team reps during the spring portion of the offseason, and all indications are that Dart will stay on the bench for most of 2025. Although Wilson is past his prime and his athleticism is dwindling, he offers valuable experience as a 10-time Pro-Bowler and one of the league’s best deep passers. Here’s what the Giants offense could look like in 2025 with Russell Wilson at the helm.
What the Giants Offense Could Look with Russell Wilson
What Russell Wilson Still Does Well
Wilson is no longer a true running threat, but still mobile enough to escape pressure occasionally and extend plays. Rather than the quick one-read throws Giants’ fans are used to, expect Daboll to scheme longer-developing plays to stretch the field to balance out the running game. Wilson is willing to hold the ball and let routes develop, which can lead to explosive plays or drive-killing sacks.
Wilson’s true strength at this point in his career is his deep passing, specifically towards the sideline. Below is a snapshot of Wilson’s 2024 deep-passing metrics:
- 54.0% completion rate on throws over 20 yards—league-best
- They also led the NFL in PFF’s deep passing grade with a mark of 97.3
- Ranked first in the league in “big-time throw percentage” (throws that significantly impacted plays) at 37.5%
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As seen above, he prefers deep sideline shots to the right side. To play to Wilson’s strengths, the Giants’ offensive line must hold up. This will be a change from the quick, one-read scheme they’ve relied on in the past.
Players Who Will Benefit from Russell Wilson
Malik Nabers, Wide Receiver
Last year, Malik Nabers had over 100 receptions and 1200 yards with Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, and Tommy Devito playing quarterback. If nothing else, he proved that he can produce with uncertainty under center. However, the numbers can be deceiving because the overall quality of Nabers’ targets was pretty underwhelming. Without a quarterback willing to stretch the field, Nabers was forced to catch the ball near the line of scrimmage, which limited his yards per reception total.
Ideally, with Wilson under center, Nabers’ receptions and targets take a small drop in exchange for higher-quality plays. In other words, expect Nabers to be targeted vertically far more often in 2025 in the same way he was against the Colts late in the season.
Theo Johnson, Tight End
With Wilson relying on vertical throws as much as any quarterback in the NFL, that means his tight ends often serve as reliable check-downs. Second-year tight end Theo Johnson, who can stretch the field in his own right, should see an uptick in targets as well. He is a big-bodied tight end with athletic upside, ideal in extended plays and seam routes. Wilson historically favors tight ends in scramble drills in the red zone.
For comparison, Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth finished with 35 catches, 374 yards, and four touchdowns in 10 games with Wilson last season. At that pace, Freiermuth would have finished with 64 catches, 689 yards, and eight touchdowns in 17 games. It wouldn’t be fair to make this the expectation for Johnson. However, it proves that Johnson has a chance to break out in 2024 with Wilson under center.
Jailyn Hyatt, Wide Receiver
There is no wide receiver on this roster whose skill set is more suited for Russell Wilson’s style. Hyatt is a scrawny outside receiver with electric speed who, if not pressed at the line of scrimmage, stretches the deep sideline. He reportedly added 20 pounds of muscle this offseason and already has chemistry with his new signal caller in OTAs.
Has Hyatt struggled to get on the field because his former quarterback couldn’t reliably throw the ball downfield? Or is Hyatt just another name on the long list of third-round busts in Giants draft history? With Wilson, 2024 is Hyatt’s best opportunity to salvage the early part of his career.
Overall Outlook
Again, this is not Seattle Seahawks-era Russell Wilson, who is going to run around the field and make eye-opening throws. There’s a reason why Denver cut him two years into a massive contract and why the Steelers didn’t re-sign him after a winning season. He is an imperfect quarterback. He is likely somewhere around the 18th-25th starter in the NFL right now. However, what Russell Wilson will bring to the Giants offense is better than what they’ve had over the last three seasons
Main Photo: [John Jones] – USA Today Sports
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