Russell Wilson’s deal with the New York Giants is laden with incentives that are reasonable for the veteran to hit over the 2025 season.
Wilson’s one-year, $21 million deal has $10.5 million guaranteed right off the bat, but many of his incentives could be hit with playing time bonuses and solid play.
Why does that matter for the Pittsburgh Steelers? While Wilson currently will come in as a fifth-round compensatory pick, if he hits that marks, Wilson can net the Steelers a third-round pick.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported his incentives in detail. Wilson can earn up to $2.5 million more in strictly playing time incentives. If he plays 65 percent of the team’s snaps or more, he will earn a $500,000 bonus. At 75%, that jumps up to $1.5 million, and he earns the full $2.5 million at 85 percent of snaps played.
There are some performance marks he must meet, including a 64 percent completion percentage and a passer rating over 96.0, which will both earn him $500,000. Wilson can earn an additional $500,000 for throwing 20 touchdowns with a passer rating over 88, while netting $250,000 more with 30 touchdowns.
Then, passing yards come into the equation. If Wilson hits 2500 passing yards with a passer rating above 88, he earns $500,000, and could earn $250,000 by throwing for 3500 yards or more with the same passer rating marks.
The rest of the marks come in the playoffs. Wilson would land $1.5 million if the Giants make the playoffs and he plays over 75 percent of snaps. He can earn $500,000 for each playoff win. Lastly, for wins in season, Wilson can earn up to $3 million.
All in all, it is unlikely for Wilson to max out on these incentives, so the third round pick is unlikely, but even hitting half of these marks would elevate the pick the Steelers receive to a fourth-round pick.
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