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Russell Wilson still has his eyes on the Big Apple, even after the New York Giants inked Jameis Winston to a two-year contract. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Wilson remains interested in taking his talents to New York. And why wouldn’t he be?
Let’s be real — Winston was basically the Cleveland Browns’ emergency quarterback last season. Wilson’s no dummy. He knows Winston’s presence won’t impact his chances of landing the starting job if he heads to New York.
Wilson to the Giants actually makes a ton of sense when you break it down. New York’s likely not drafting a day-one starter at quarterback this year, and they desperately need someone who can win games now. Brian Daboll’s coaching seat isn’t just hot — it’s practically on fire. Another disaster season, and he’s toast.
Wilson could be exactly what the Giants need right now
Winston is Plan B at best. He’s capable of winning you a game here and there, but the Giants didn’t bring him in to be their savior. Wilson, though? He could potentially rescue Daboll, GM Joe Schoen, and prevent a complete organizational overhaul.
The Giants might be the NFL’s most desperate quarterback-needy team heading into draft season. They’re probably going to miss out on top prospects like Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward — especially if Tennessee and Cleveland snag quarterbacks with the first two picks. That leaves New York with mostly bridge options.
That’s exactly why Wilson should be a priority, not a luxury.
Trading for Kirk Cousins would be extreme, Aaron Rodgers has essentially ruled out staying in the Meadowlands, and Winston isn’t the answer to their problems. Wilson brings veteran leadership and a proven track record, despite his recent struggles in Denver.
Wilson’s recent injury history actually makes the Winston signing logical. If the Giants do land Wilson and he misses time, they’ll have a capable backup who’s started plenty of games in this league.
This partnership could benefit Wilson just as much as the Giants. Cleveland has far too many roster holes for an aging vet like Wilson to consider — especially when he could go somewhere with a better chance to win now. New York’s offense is actually built pretty well for Wilson’s skillset — strong running game, emerging weapons at receiver, and an offensive-minded head coach.
The Giants shouldn’t waste time here. Waiting around for Rodgers is pointless, and hoping one of the top quarterbacks falls to them in the draft before making a decision on Wilson would be a massive strategic error.
Even if New York does draft a rookie QB, having Wilson on the roster makes perfect sense. It removes all pressure from the young quarterback to play immediately and gives them time to develop for at least a season — something we’ve seen work wonders for many successful NFL quarterbacks.
The Giants brought in Winston for the same reason the Browns swapped backup QBs with Philadelphia this offseason. They’re insurance policies teams hope they’ll never need to cash in.