Even before Russell Wilson signed for the NY Giants, his chapter was already over in Pittsburgh. Tomlin also knew that Wilson’s best days were over and it was time they moved on from the veteran quarterback. However, the 36-year-old QB believes that he still has it in him what it takes to be a starter, and when he saw an opportunity in New York, he had to grab it with both hands. Well, Wilson has all the rights to celebrate his move to the Giants, but was he really THE quarterback Brian Daboll was looking to bring on board?

After signing a 1-year $10.5 million deal, Wilson expects nothing but a starting position for the 2025 season. “Yeah, I expect to be the starter and come in here and be ready to rock and roll every day,” Wilson said. “And I’m excited man, I’ve been gifted with so much in this game in terms of experiences and things I’ve gone through. All the great moments, some tough ones along the way, but also to be inside those white lines, that’s my most favorite place to be. And so I’m excited to do that and to rock the New York Giants jersey.”

But here’s the catch—the Giants may have moved on from Daniel Jones, but they still have Jameis Winston and Tommy DeVito as backup QBs. Plus, with the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming draft, there’s a strong chance they could bring in a rookie quarterback. And if we are to believe a former Giants player, Wilson was not even the first-choice QB for HC Daboll. So, where does that leave Wilson now?

The Giants signed Wilson more of a safety net. As former Giants player Isaiah Stanback put it, “

He is here because they didn’t get the guy that they really want.” That’s tough. And with the draft coming up, the Giants aren’t done looking for their next franchise QB. Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen aren’t banking on a 35-year-old quarterback who’s been bouncing around the league. Wilson might see himself as the guy, but New York sees him as a bridge—someone to hold it down until they land their real QB1.

 

The numbers tell the same story. Wilson’s deal? One year, worth up to $21 million, with $10.5 million guaranteed. Meanwhile, Daniel Jones is still sitting on his massive four-year, $160 million contract, even though his future is shaky. Then there’s Drew Lock, who signed a one-year, $5 million deal, nearly all guaranteed. So, in total, the Giants have committed $15.5 million in guaranteed money for two veteran QBs with playoff experience. That’s solid depth, but let’s be real—it doesn’t scream full faith in Wilson. Even Stanback called it out: “14 Ms for two veteran quarterbacks who have playoff experience and a Super Bowl? That’s not bad to have as a backup.” A backup. That’s the keyword here.

Russell Wilson’s arrival might shake things up, but it doesn’t change the Giants’ long-term plans. They’ve got the No. 3 pick in the draft, and if a top QB prospect falls into their lap, they’re taking him—no hesitation. New York is still rebuilding, and they want a young, long-term answer under center. Wilson? He’s just here to keep the seat warm. As Stanback said, “And I think that if they’re in position to get a quarterback in the draft, they’re still going to take it.”

Of course, Wilson isn’t wired to just accept that. At his intro presser, he made it crystal clear: “Yeah, I expect to be the starter and come in here and be ready to rock and roll every day.” That’s classic Russell, always betting on himself. But confidence alone won’t change the fact that the Giants are looking ahead, and Wilson is not the centerpiece of their future. He’s here as a Plan B, just in case their draft strategy doesn’t go as planned.

Giants’ real QB plan? Russ might be just a placeholder

Russell Wilson might be talking like he’s the Giants’ QB1, but let’s be real—New York isn’t pinning its future on a 35-year-old on a one-year rental. Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen have their eyes on something bigger—a true franchise QB from the draft. With the No. 3 pick, they’re sitting in a prime position to snag one. And if the right guy isn’t there? Well, rumors are swirling that they might trade up to No. 1, a move no team has pulled off since 1975. Yeah, you don’t make that kind of play unless you’ve got your guy locked in. Even Isaiah Stanback isn’t buying the Wilson hype, saying, “He’s here just in case. All right. Just in case they don’t get a quarterback in the draft. And I think that if they’re in position to get a quarterback in the draft, they’re still going to take it.”

So, who’s that guy? Cam Ward might be the answer. According to the latest ES mock draft, the Miami standout is climbing draft boards thanks to his electric playmaking and unshakable confidence. Last season, he torched defenses with 4,100+ passing yards, 40 total touchdowns, and a 67.4% completion rate. But stats aren’t the only thing turning heads—it’s his mindset. When asked about potentially joining the Giants, he shrugged off the pressure: “I don’t really believe in pressure. I play football.” And when the idea of linking up with Malik Nabers came up? He didn’t hesitate: “He’s only going to make me better if I get a chance to play with him. He’s a No. 1 receiver for a reason.” That’s the kind of confidence you want in a franchise QB.

Now, let’s talk money—because the Giants have zero financial excuses. Sitting on $46.9 million in cap space, New York has plenty of room to bring in a rookie quarterback and keep the roster intact. The No. 3 pick’s contract typically lands between $30-35 million over four years, which fits comfortably within their budget. That means they can draft Ward (or another top QB), keep Wilson as a temporary fix, and still have cap flexibility.