February 2, 2014: Russell Wilson stood at the center of MetLife Stadium, confetti raining down as he hoisted the Lombardi Trophy. In just his second NFL season, he had led the Seattle Seahawks to a dominant Super Bowl victory over the Denver Broncos. Later, Wilson’s career would take him to Denver and then the Steelers in search of another Super Bowl triumph, but the wait goes on. Now, more than a decade later, Wilson returns to the very same stadium, where he reached the pinnacle of football glory, but this time, he can call it home. The venue of his greatest triumph now becomes the stage for his next chapter, this time, in Giants blue.

It’s officially the end of Wilson’s Steelers era. The veteran QB wanted to re-sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers “right up till the end,” but eventually agreed on a move to the Giants. This put an end to weeks of speculation, rumors, and endless ‘Where will Russ land?’ questions. He will be flying to the Big Apple after John Mara’s Giants signed him on a one-year deal worth $21 million on Tuesday. As soon as the deal was official, Wilson sent a powerful message that will excite the Giants fans.

Taking to his Instagram stories, Wilson posted a picture of MetLife Stadium, captioning it, “Been here before… can’t wait to do it again. #MetLife.” And just to drive the point home, he added ‘Already Home’ by Jay-Z to his story. The Super Bowl champ is fired up and ready for a fresh start. And if his MetLife shoutout is any sign, he’s more than ready to light it up in East Rutherford, just like he did back in 2014 when he won his first-ever Super Bowl with the Seahawks.

Wilson completed 18 of 25 passes for 206 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions, posting a passer rating of 123.1 that night in New York. He also had added 26 rushing yards on 3 carries. He remembers it all too well and will be hoping for a repeat after his move to the Giants.  That year, Wilson had an outstanding regular season, recording 3,475 yards and 20 touchdowns. Even in the postseason, he excelled with a 41/72 completion rate for 724 yards and six touchdowns—his career best so far.

After a meeting with the Giants on March 14, he started dropping subtle hints on his IG stories about possibly joining the team. Last week, Russ posted a picture of his stepson, Future Zahir Wilburn, wearing a New York Yankees jersey, giving a low-key hint of his future. But since the QB also met with the Browns, nobody could place their bets just yet. However, the picture is now clear.

His contract includes $10.5 million guaranteed, and now Brian Daboll has two veteran QBs under him. On March 21, the team signed Jameis Winston to a two-year deal worth $8 million. With Russ’s arrival, it looks like Jameis is not going to get to be the QB1. Or maybe he will have to fight for that spot. “I’m looking forward to getting me a nice job, where I can go and lead a team to some victories,” said Winston while talking to Mirror U.S. Sports. 

Notably, Wilson has as many postseason wins in East Rutherford (1) as the Giants do (1) since the stadium was opened in 2010. Last season, the Giants went 3-14 and also finished with a point differential of at least negative-140 for the second straight year. They have made one playoff appearance in the last eight years.

Moreover, since 2017, the Giants haven’t won more than six games. One of the biggest problems for the Giants has been the quarterback position, where they have struggled with Daniel Jones. Wilson will surely bring a wealth of experience, but he will have a point to prove as well.

Top Comment by New Yorkin 4EVER

He’s s decent quarterback but not the elite player he was given his past performances. Russell and Ciara has to...more

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The Steelers’ 2024 roster appeared capable of challenging for honors, yet Wilson went 6-6 as a starter, including the postseason. He hasn’t had a winning record in the playoffs in a season since 2020. At MetLife Stadium, Wilson boasts a perfect 4-0 record, completing 70% of his passes while throwing for nine touchdowns against just one interception. He averages 8.6 yards per attempt and has recorded an impressive +0.27 EPA per dropback. Safe to say, he would feel right at home, and the Giants fans will hope that this full-circle moment for Wilson ushers in a new era of success for their beleaguered franchise.

Wilson’s signing while a massive boost for the team, but it leaves the question of who the Giants will pick in their draft. They were widely touted to go for a QB of the future, but with Wilson likely to be a starter, how do the Giants plan their draft?

How will the Giants use their draft pick?

When the Giants signed Jameis Winston, most people assumed they would draft a QB next. The plan seemed clear: Winston as their veteran QB. And whoever they picked in the draft as the young QB would be the long-term solution. With the third overall pick, many thought the Giants would go after Shedeur Sanders or another top QB prospect. Instead, they pulled a surprise move by signing Russell Wilson.

Now, the big question is: What will the Giants do with their third pick after signing two veteran QBs? 

Shedeur Sanders’ dad, Deion Sanders, recently expressed his wish for his son to be drafted by the Giants. While speaking at the ProMat Conference, reporters asked Deion where he’d want his son to land. The Colorado Buffaloes HC didn’t hesitate. “Let’s hope it’s New York,” he said, referencing John Mara’s team. But now, Shedeur’s chances of landing with the Giants seem less likely, or maybe it’s still too early to say anything for sure.

Signing Wilson means the Giants aren’t sure that they will get the chance to pick Shedeur and they were quick to secure the position. But if he is still available at three, it is something for them to consider. There is also a possibility that the Giants pick pass rusher Abdul Carter. If the Titans select Cam Ward at No. 1 and the Browns pick Sanders at No. 2, the Giants have the chance to take the first non-QB.

For now, it’ll be interesting to see if the Giants’ move of signing Wilson pays off.