How Russell Wilson Signing With Giants Impacts Other Free Agent Quarterbacks, NFL Draft

Nick Pedone|published: Tue 25th March, 19:42 2025

Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs away from Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike (92) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Russell Wilson is heading to the Big Apple after signing a one-year deal worth up to $21 million with the New York Giants on Tuesday evening.

Wilson, 36, joins Jameis Winston, who the Giants signed last week, and Tommy DeVito in New York’s quarterback room.

With Wilson joining the Giants, the Pittsburgh Steelers will anxiously await confirmation from Aaron Rodgers, the top free-agent quarterback available. Pittsburgh parted with a second-round pick to land DK Metcalf in a splashy move earlier this offseason and desperately needs Rodgers to compete in a crowded AFC North.

Justin Fields signed with the New York Jets early in free agency. The Steelers don’t have many great options, as their only other quarterbacks are Skylar Thompson and Mason Rudolph. Pittsburgh saw both of its quarterbacks who won games for the team last season depart for New York.

Once the Rodgers domino falls, all eyes will turn to the Cleveland Browns, who hold the No. 2 overall pick. Kenny Pickett, whom the Browns acquired via trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, is the only healthy quarterback on the roster. Deshaun Watson ruptured his Achilles again, and his NFL career is likely over.

According to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns have “mutual interest” with free-agent quarterback Carson Wentz. They could also explore a reunion with Joe Flacco.

Assuming Cam Ward is the No. 1 overall pick to the Tennessee Titans in the upcoming draft, Cleveland’s plan with the No. 2 pick remains unclear.

The Browns could stay put and draft Shedeur Sanders as their future franchise quarterback. They could also opt for the best player available, whether they believe that to be Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter or Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. Another option is trading back, betting on next season’s rookie draft class.

The Atlanta Falcons also hold an option for Cleveland in Kirk Cousins, who is reportedly waiting to see how the NFL Draft plays out before deciding whether to waive his no-trade clause. If the Falcons decide to trade the NFL’s most expensive backup quarterback ever, Cousins would prefer to start on his next team.

If the Browns pass on Sanders, the Giants could select him with the No. 3 overall pick. Wilson and Winston could serve as quality mentors for the young quarterback, who has overachieved throughout his college career at Jackson State and Colorado.

Wilson’s arrival in New York gives the Giants a starting quarterback and provides the rest of the NFL with a clearer picture of how the offseason might unfold.