When the New York Giants signed quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year, $10.5 million deal, it came with a set of expectations.
The first of which was that Wilson would instantly become the starting quarterback. The Giants are searching for a steady hand to preside over the 2025 offense, rather than the turnstile they saw in 2024. Signing Jameis Winston wasn't much of a step toward that goal.
Wilson, meanwhile, should offer starter-level play and a high floor, something general manager Joe Schoen will covet. In a season where each win makes his job safer, he will look to disaster-proof this roster throughout the offseason.
Adding two veteran quarterbacks is a nice buffer, but it's clear that Wilson is getting the first bid under center. Wilson revealed his expectations for the Giants' quarterback depth chart at his introductory press conference on Wednesday.
"Yeah, I expect to be the starter and come in here and be ready to rock and roll every day," Wilson said in his introductory news conference, via SNYGiants. "To be able to lead. I think this team is looking for someone to lead them in every way in terms of the process in the offseason, during the season, our habits and our thought process and how we create a great winning culture and how to continue to establish that and really build on the things we do well and the things that we continue to need to do."
Wilson will almost certainly start, but he's more than that. He's a vessel for head coach Brian Daboll to further establish his culture, a mentor for the entire locker room – and a prospective rookie quarterback – and ultimately another adult in the room.
Expectations are low for New York, but if Wilson is merely enough, Schoen's work will have a chance to shine through.
Related: What Does Jameis Winston Signing Mean for Giants?
"I think the big part of me is this will be my 14th year to be able to lead an amazing group of men that really have big hopes and goals and dreams and desires, and we all share the same goal. So, I think that's the best part about it is I get to be around a lot of extremely, extremely talented guys."
With receiver Malik Nabers, running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., and a revamped defense, the ingredients are present for the Giants to surprise people with Wilson under center.
Related: BREAKING: Giants Sign Russell Wilson
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This story was originally published March 26, 2025 at 7:35 PM.
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