Russell Wilson reportedly joining Giants on 1-year, $21 million deal
Russell Wilson has reached an agreement to join the New York Giants, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The deal for the 36-year-old quarterback is reportedly for one year and up to $21 million, with $10.5 million guaranteed.
ESPN Sources: The Giants and Super Bowl-winning QB Russell Wilson reached agreement today on a one-year deal worth up to $21 million, including $10.5 million guaranteed. The 10-time Pro-Bowl selection had been in discussions with the Giants, Browns and Steelers, but is opting for… pic.twitter.com/ZjjOz0U7bl
Wilson played with the Steelers on a one-year, $1.21 million contract in 2024 while still owed $37.79 million from the Denver Broncos. He said after the season that he wants to play “as long as possible,” reiterating a statement he made in November that he wants to play 5-7 more years.
Wilson joined the Steelers in the offseason after being released by the Broncos, but started on the bench in favor of Fields after a calf injury sidelined him in the preseason. He took over at quarterback in Week 7 and remained the Steelers' starter through the remaining 11 games of the regular season and a 28-14 wild-card playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Pittsburgh won its first four games with Wilson at quarterback before a 2-5 finish to the regular season that included a four-game season-ending losing streak. Wilson completed 63.7% of his passes for 225.6 yards per game with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions in his 11 regular-season starts. He completed 20 of 29 passes for 270 yards with two touchdowns and no turnovers during the playoff loss to the Ravens.
Wilson's play improved from the worst of his disastrous stint with the Broncos that resulted in Denver releasing him in spite of a significant hit to the salary cap. He was good enough to keep Pittsburgh competitive as a playoff team, but there was little to indicate he could return to his Pro Bowl form from his Seattle Seahawks tenure and lift the Steelers into Super Bowl contention.
Cam Ward is poised to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft — and the right fantasy football fit for the Titans
In the latest episode of the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, Matt Harmon and Derek Classen took a deep dive into the upcoming NFL draft, highlighting why Cam Ward is primed to be the number one pick. Here's a look at the key points discussed, showcasing why Ward is not just a top prospect but a perfect fit for the Tennessee Titans as they hold the coveted first-overall pick.
Cam Ward fits what the Titans want to do on offense
Derek Classen emphasized that the Titans' current offensive design and staff make them an ideal landing spot for Cam Ward. With Brian Callahan leading the charge, there's a clear fit for Ward, who thrives in vertical passing plays. Callahan's offense, which aims to push the ball down the field, complements Ward's strengths, featuring play-action plays that highlight Ward's ability to make on-the-move throws and exploit deep coverage gaps.
The Titans' lineup of quarterbacks currently includes Will Levis and Brandon Allen, but none have established themselves as the long-term solution. As Matt Harmon and Derek discussed, Ward's inclusion would bring a much-needed spark and potential to solidify the Titans' future under center. Given the importance of this draft for the Titans' offensive strategy, they appear ready to build their system around a young, promising quarterback like Ward.
Ward's ability to extend plays, coupled with his better pocket presence compared to his peers like Will Levis, makes him a standout prospect in this year's draft class. Derek noted that while previous drafts have featured solid quarterback talent, Ward's combination of athleticism, arm strength, and playmaking capability gives him an edge. His ability to decide plays under pressure with a mix of finesse and power is precisely what has scouts and analysts seeing him as a top selection.
The addition of Cam Ward isn't merely about filling a spot; it's a strategic enhancement for Tennessee's offensive playbook. Matt and Derek pointed out that Ward's presence would allow Calvin Ridley to thrive as the team's primary target with more vertical threats, rewarding the Titans' investments in their offensive line and receiving core.
Drafting Cam Ward offers the Titans a clear pathway to resetting their quarterback situation in a draft year that has limited high-profile quarterback talent. As Matt and Derek discussed, despite concerns over this draft class' depth, Ward stands apart as a clear No. 1, ready to elevate any team he joins — making the Titans' choice at No. 1 both logical and anticipated.
Cam Ward’s impressive skill set and the Titans' pressing need for a quarterback fit seamlessly, putting him on track to be the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Fantasy fans and analysts alike should prepare for this anticipated addition to a team looking to return to prominence through dynamic offensive plays led by a franchise quarterback.
(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)
What are the most pressing quarterback questions heading into the 2025 NFL Draft and the regular season? Jori Epstein and Frank Schwab broke them down on the Inside Coverage podcast.
Will Jameis Winston lead the Giants?
The Giants have signed Jameis Winston to a two-year, $8 million deal. While this isn't typical starting quarterback money, it offers the Giants a "break the glass" emergency option. The question remains if Winston will be their go-to starter or if the Giants have bigger plans, perhaps involving Aaron Rodgers or a rookie quarterback.
Where will Aaron Rodgers land?
The NFL world is keenly watching where Aaron Rodgers will land. The Giants seem interested, but the Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be a more viable team for Rodgers, given their roster strength. The big question is whether Rodgers believes he can win with the Giants' current setup or if he will choose a team with a clearer path to success — or retirement.
"Aaron Rodgers' goal this year is not a 5,000-yard season. It's to go win playoff games," Epstein says. "And I just do not think that the Giants are going to be able to offer him that opportunity."
Pittsburgh, Epstein says, offers him a better chance at playoff success.
"They've upgraded with DK Metcalf. Especially if they keep George Pickens rather than trading him, [Aaron will] have options."
What is Russell Wilson's future?
Russell Wilson's future is even more unclear. The Giants could be a landing spot. And while Pittsburgh reportedly isn't interested in bringing him back right now, Epstein points out that "Pittsburgh needs a quarterback. Russell Wilson needs a team."
"I don't think it's what the Steelers want, but I do think that signing Russell Wilson is better than trying to draft someone in the first round and make it work," she adds. "Because that's how the Steelers ended up in this situation in the first place, by drafting Kenny Pickett because they wanted a quarterback in a weak quarterback class. And so they're like, 'we're just going to take the best guy available.'"
Will Cam Ward be the answer at quarterback for the Tennessee Titans? (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Justin Casterline via Getty Images
Is Cam Ward going to be the Titans' pick at No. 1?
Cam Ward is heavily favored to be the first overall pick, most likely by the Tennessee Titans. However, the possibility of a trade for this pick is still in the air, with teams like the Giants or Cleveland Browns potentially making offers to land the standout quarterback.
"An NFC talent evaluator told me that they had second-round grades on both Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders and an AFC talent evaluator who told me it would be a second round grade on Cam Ward and a fourth round grade on Shedeur Sanders," Epstein says. "So that's pretty significantly different from where they're going to be drafted."
"Most draft grades are not going to be that much different from team to team, right?" says Schwab. "So you have a second-round grade on Cam Ward. Is it worth it to draft him first, even second, third overall? ... So the question is, 'We got the same grade, we got second-round grade on this guy, but we need a quarterback, we need to take a swing. We got the first pick. He does have some upside.' I mean, what would you do with that pick?"
Still, Schwab believes Ward will go No. 1 to the Titans.
Will the 49ers sign Brock Purdy to a large contract?
Brock Purdy is reportedly seeking a deal similar to Dak Prescott's — 4 years, $240 million — raising the question of whether the 49ers will commit large funds to him. Given Purdy's contributions, there's debate on whether San Francisco should secure him long-term or leverage their coaching prowess to develop another standout QB.
"I would trust Kyle Shanahan to find my next Brock Purdy before paying him that," Schwab says.
Epstein disagrees.
"If Kyle Shanahan was able to take the quarterbacks he believed had the most talent and develop him into the best players, Trey Lance would still be on that team and he's not," she says. "And he's not on any team because Kyle Shanahan missed on him.
"What if I were them? I think what you kind of get to is you basically say, we'll give you $60 million a year over the course of six years, but we can cut you after three years. Like, you basically get more flexibility. ... And so then if it ends up working and if Brock Purdy's your quarterback in six years, well, as crazy as it sounds, $60 million is going to be a bargain by then."
What is the Cleveland Browns' path forward?
Perhaps the most complex quarterback conundrum exists in Cleveland. With limited options appearing viable, the Browns face a potential significant decision in the upcoming draft. The question remains whether they should take a calculated risk on a rookie or pursue a more established option like Kirk Cousins, if the opportunity arises.
"What is their path out of this thing?" Schwab wonders. "Not even just in 2025, but 2026 and beyond. What, do they use the second pick on Shedeur Sanders? You said some teams have a fourth-round grade on him. Do they bring in Russell Wilson? Like, what? What's the path out for this Cleveland Browns at quarterback?"
Epstein notes the Browns still have that lingering question of Deshaun Watson, who would likely be ready to return to the field in 2026.
"I think that the Browns need to rip that band aid off and move forward and have Deshaun Watson's successor," Epstein says. "Whether or not that successor has success, I think that they just need to have their next guy in because I think it's crucial for them to move forward with it."