Tag: Russell Wilson

Jun 17, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) speaks at a press conference during minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

Russell Wilson praises Giants’ ‘amazing’ camaraderie

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Preparing for his first season with the New York Giants and his 14th in the NFL, starting quarterback Russell Wilson is enthused about the team’s daily improvement in all facets of the game at this week’s minicamp.

Wilson, who signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract in April with the potential to earn an additional $10 million in incentives, listed inside linebacker Bobby Okereke, defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence and outside linebacker Brian Burns, along with center John Michael Schmitz, guard Greg Van Roten and wide receivers Darius Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson, among the group of players who have stood out.

“I just think that we’re just on this constant growth of trajectory and we’ve got to stay there,” Wilson said. “I think that we’ve grown so much every day. The team, the team, the team, the team. I think we just have gotten better and better every day.

“Offense, defense, special teams. I think our camaraderie has been amazing. It’s always cool … and it’s fun to be able to see guys who are young, staying extra, doing the extra necessary things.”

Wilson, who went 6-5 as a starter in 2024 during his lone season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, also lauded the Giants’ coaching staff and the joy he has felt since joining the organization.

“I think if I had to describe it, just the joy to be able to do what I love to do, number one — and number two, to do it with the people that you really want to be around,” the 10-time Pro Bowl selection said.

“I think the coaching staff is tremendous. I think their ability to teach every day — I think what makes a great coach is the ability to teach, to be able to teach young guys, to be able to teach veterans to be able to constantly learn. I think being on that constant quest for knowledge is such a necessary thing and that’s the part that I love the most.”

As for the offense, Wilson praised head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka for the work they’ve put in this spring after New York’s offense ranked 30th in total yards (294.8) and 31st in points (16.1 ppg) last season.

Wilson was brought in this season after the quartet of Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito and Tim Boyle combined for just 15 touchdown passes along with 13 interceptions. The team’s 77.8 passer-efficiency rating ranked last in the NFC.

“I think that we’ve been stacking great days and just seeing guys really shine is a really cool thing,” Wilson said of the offense. … “Like I said, teaching and when you put it on, you get to do the walkthroughs and do the film and all the notes and all the things you do to try to be great and then you take it out to the field, that’s what you want to see. That’s what you want to feel. And I think that we’re definitely feeling that.”

The Giants drafted quarterback Jaxson Dart with the No. 25 pick in the first round, but the starting job is Wilson’s entering the summer. The team brought in veteran Jameis Winston to serve as a backup and DeVito remains on the roster to provide more depth.

“I think you’re always just trying to prove yourself right,” said Wilson, who has 350 touchdown passes in 13 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks (2012-21), Denver Broncos (2022-23) and Steelers. “I know what I’m capable of every day. I never lack confidence.”

–Field Level Media

East Rutherford, NJ -- June 5, 2025 -- Quarterback, Jaxson Dart as the New York Giants players participate in their 2025 OTAs at the Quest Diagnostic Giants Training Center in East Rutherford.

Giants OC: Team targeted QB Jaxson Dart ‘relatively early’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Before the New York Giants’ organized team activity session Thursday ended abruptly with a fight, the team’s trio of quarterbacks cycled through their reps and a pecking order began to take shape.

Russell Wilson practiced with the team’s projected starters, but rookie Jaxson Dart took over for him for one rep with the ones and spent the rest of the day with the twos. Jameis Winston practiced for the third-teamers, other than for one rep with the twos.

Wilson praised Dart Thursday while dodging a question about what it will mean to have a first-round pick working behind him. Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Mike Kafka revealed that New York zeroed in on the former Ole Miss quarterback “relatively early” in the draft evaluation process.

“I would say it was relatively early just because you get — the more touchpoints you have with him, the more confidence you get and the more you see him fitting into your system and your scheme,” Kafka said.

“And so I felt really confident about how he operated, how he studied, how he prepared, how he handled himself. And then at the end of the day, his tape and the way he performed in those meetings.”

While the Giants were seen as a possibility to take Shedeur Sanders with the No. 3 overall pick, they instead fell in love with Dart and traded back into the first round (No. 25 overall) to make him the second QB selected behind first overall pick Cam Ward.

“You watch the explosive plays, you watch how he operates in the two-minute drills and under pressure, under duress,” Kafka said. “You see some of the off-schedule, off-platform plays he has and you kind of watch that together and put together a report.

“Those are things that stood out to me. His ability to kind of play within the pocket, play outside the pocket, QB run game, things like that.”

Kafka is known for having worked with Patrick Mahomes early in his Kansas City Chiefs career. There, Kafka was the quarterbacks coach; in New York, he’s the offensive coordinator, but he’ll be plenty involved with Dart’s development all the same.

“Just being the quarterback coach, you’re in that room with them. You’re coaching them just on the specific job of the quarterback, versus the offensive coordinator putting the whole picture together for the Qs,” Kafka explained. “Being in those meetings with the quarterbacks and explaining my intent for a play or my vision for what that play could be or what the offense could look like and how we’re going to attack certain things, just being out in front of that with the quarterbacks is always good information.”

Kafka also praised Wilson for his “leadership” and “command” at his previous stops in Seattle, Denver and Pittsburgh, though the latter two chapters of his career were nowhere near as fruitful as his time with the Seahawks.

“You see the competitiveness that he brings, the demeanor that he brings,” Kafka said. “… It’s a new offense for him and he’s played a lot of football, so a lot of these plays are similar to what he knows. Just getting him on the same page terminology-wise. But he’s doing a great job and I’m excited to have him.”

When asked, Wilson did not offer up his reaction to the Giants trading up for Dart in April, not long after they signed both him and Winston.

“Yeah, Jaxson’s been great, man. He’s a great worker, great teammate,” Wilson said. “We’re having fun, all of us. We have a really good quarterback room. Guys are so focused and working diligently every day. He’s going to be an extremely, extremely good talent and everything else throughout his career.”

The former Super Bowl champion said Dart being the QB2 “doesn’t change anything at all” for him.

“I think the biggest thing is for me is just being my best every day, leading,” Wilson said. “I always think about just leading everybody, just leading every room, every moment, every time I get to step between the white lines and the opportunity of that.

“We had a great dinner the other night, all the guys, all the O-line and quarterbacks and running backs together. We just had a good time, just tons of laughs and a good time together. So just I think the fellowship of it all is the best part right now. Obviously, our work ethic and what we’re doing in the field. But when it comes to just the tight-knit culture that we’re continuing to build and continue to grow, and we want to have a championship football team, and in terms of our mentality and our approach and how we go about it.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 5, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) walks off the field after loss to Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Giants coach on WR Malik Nabers’ toe injury: ‘Nothing serious’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll didn’t sound too concerned about a toe injury that is preventing Malik Nabers from participating in practice.

“Malik will be out here today, but he won’t be participating,” Daboll said prior to the Giants’ second practice of organized team activities on Wednesday. “We’re being mindful of his toe that he’s had. Nothing serious, but we’re being smart with him in terms of the rehab part of it. So that’s where we’re at.”

Daboll said Nabers has been nursing this injury all the way back to his college days with LSU.

Nabers, 21, set an NFL rookie-record with 109 catches last season, which also was a franchise mark with the Giants.

He totaled 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games (13 games) en route to being named to the Pro Bowl.

Nabers was the sixth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

As for Russell Wilson, well, the veteran quarterback took the majority of first-team snaps on Wednesday. Wilson, 36, also received plenty of praise from Daboll.

“He’s a pro. There’s a reason why he has had the career that he’s had,” Daboll said of the 10-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl XLVIII champion. “When you look at his work ethic, his commitment to being the best version of himself that he can be, how he’s out here at practice, his leadership traits within the players, his communication, not just with the receivers, tight ends, running backs, but with the offensive line. He’s been a good addition for us.”

–Field Level Media

Feb 6, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Jameis Winston and his wife Brieon Winston on the red carpet before Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Jameis Winston ‘ready for anything’; Giants not ruling out QB at No. 3

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Though the New York Giants have signed both Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston this spring, another quarterback early in the draft is not off the table.

However, general manager Joe Schoen made clear he isn’t going to “force” taking a quarterback that early in the draft, setting a high bar for such a selection.

“Yeah, if you’re talking about where we’re picking, you’d like that guy to be able to be a franchise quarterback that you can win with, you’re winning the NFC East every year,” Schoen said. “The ultimate goal is to win a Super Bowl if you’re taking a guy that high, so they have to be able to check (all) those boxes.”

Schoen added that the Giants are in a position to take the best player available at No. 3, regardless of position.

The Giants are picking behind the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, two quarterback-needy teams, and Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders are the two QB prospects universally projected to be high picks.

Giants owner John Mara said at the start of the offseason that finding a “quarterback of the future” was their No. 1 priority. Since then, New York signed ex-Super Bowl champion Wilson, 36, and former No. 1 overall pick-turned-journeyman Winston, 31.

Wilson said in his introductory press conference that he expects to be New York’s starter. Schoen said Monday that the team didn’t guarantee to Wilson that it wouldn’t also draft a quarterback.

“I didn’t tell him what we’re going to do at (Pick) 3, but I said we’re open to everything,” Schoen said. “So yeah, you can’t give a promise that you’re not going to take a certain position or something like that. That’s not fair.

“We can go any which direction. We can go play a game right now. So, it doesn’t force you into a corner or force you to have to take something based on needs, so gives us optionality to go many different directions.”

Winston met with reporters Monday and said he was looking for a team that could offer a starting or “bridge” quarterback role. The Giants signed him before adding Wilson.

“My role was explained to me as there is an opportunity at the quarterback position that we’re looking forward to getting better at,” Winston said. “I signed up for that because I’m looking forward to getting better and being my very best self myself.

“So that’s how was it. I didn’t get a clean explanation of my role because I played so many different roles already. I’ve played every role that the quarterback room has to offer, so I’m ready for anything.”

Winston said he had a good relationship with Wilson, revealing that Wilson once let him have a look at how “Russ ran his enterprise, ran his businesses, how he took care of his body and how he trained and what did he do to go into his mental approach.”

If the Giants add a quarterback in the draft, at No. 3 or in a later round, Winston will be happy to play the mentor.

“Me having that experience, being in rooms with great veteran quarterbacks such as Ryan Fitzpatrick, being in rooms with … Derek Carr, Deshaun Watson last year, having the chance to mentor Dorian Thompson-Robinson when he had a chance to get back in his starting role with the Cleveland Browns. I’ve been able to learn so many different things from my time, my career,” Winston said.

“So catering to a young quarterback and serving them would be something that I would definitely take on with a great responsibility and cherish it.”

–Field Level Media

Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson hoists Super Bowl trophy during celebration following Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium.

New Giants QB Russell Wilson: ‘I expect to be the starter’

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The New York Giants introduced newly signed quarterback Russell Wilson on Wednesday, who reportedly agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $21 million with incentives.

Wilson is one of the most accomplished quarterbacks of his era. He is a 10-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion (XLVIII).

The veteran quarterback will look to reenergize the Giants, who are coming off a 3-14 campaign, a record that doesn’t seem to concern Wilson.

“I love adversity. I love challenges. I love the underdog mentality,” Wilson told reporters Wednesday. “Maybe it’s being 5-foot-11 and people telling you you can’t do something… Being in New York, it’s an exciting place to play. It’s a place that wants to win, it’s a place that knows how to win and has won before.”

He will join fellow free-agent addition Jameis Winston on the roster. The franchise still has at least one major move to make, holding the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which could be a quarterback.

When asked about competition for the starting QB role, Wilson said, “I expect to be the starter, and come in here ready to rock and roll every day, to be able to lead. I think this team is really looking for someone to lead them every day, in terms of the process in the offseason, during the season, our habits and our thought processes and how we create a great winning culture.”

ESPN reported Wednesday that Wilson’s deal for $10.5 million has a complicated incentive package that would bring him another $7.5 million in playing-time, performance and playoff incentives plus up to $3 million related to wins and percentage of plays made.

After spending nine years with the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos in a blockbuster deal in 2022. After an underwhelming two-year tenure, he was released in 2024 and signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Last season, Wilson got back on track, throwing for 2,382 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 11 games, guiding the Steelers to a 6-5 record in those contests. He also rushed 155 yards and two touchdowns. The signal caller earned his first Pro Bowl nod since 2021.

Wilson started for the Steelers’ AFC wild-card loss to the Baltimore Ravens, but he put up strong numbers, completing 20 out of 29 passes for 270 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. The Steelers mustered only 29 total rushing yards in the game.

The Giants reportedly had interest in four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, who remains unsigned.

–Field Level Media

Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) warms up before an AFC wild card game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Reports: Giants to sign 10-time Pro Bowl QB Russell Wilson

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The New York Giants will sign quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year, $10.5 million contract, per multiple media reports.

The deal could reach up to $21 million with incentives, according to ESPN.

Wilson is one of the most accomplished quarterbacks of his era; he is a 10-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion (XLVIII).

After spending nine years with the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos in a blockbuster deal in 2022. After an underwhelming two-year tenure, he was released in 2024 and signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Last season, Wilson got back on track, throwing for 2,382 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 11 games, guiding the Steelers to a 6-5 record in those contests. He also rushed 155 yards and two touchdowns. The signal caller earned his first Pro Bowl nod since 2021.

Wilson started for the Steelers’ AFC wild-card loss to the Baltimore Ravens, but he put up strong numbers, completing 20 out of 29 passes for 270 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. The Steelers mustered only 29 total rushing yards in the game.

The veteran quarterback will look to reenergize the Giants, who are coming off a 3-14 campaign. He will join fellow free agent addition Jameis Winston on the roster. The franchise still has at least one major move to make, holding the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Giants reportedly had interest in four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, who remains unsigned.

–Field Level Media

Feb 1, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws the ball during AFC Practice for the Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Reports: Russell Wilson to meet with Browns, Giants this week

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Free-agent quarterback Russell Wilson will meet with both the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants this week, multiple outlets reported, as he looks to join his third team in four seasons.

Wilson, 36, played his first 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, but has been on the move of late after playing two seasons with the Denver Broncos and spending last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Wilson passed for 2,482 yards with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions in 11 starts for the Steelers last season, while going 6-5. He missed time with a calf injury as the Steelers ended the season 10-7 and lost 28-14 to the Baltimore Ravens in the wild-card round of the playoffs.

Wilson was 20-of-29 passing against the Ravens for 270 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.

The Browns, who went 3-14 last season, will be without quarterback Deshaun Watson in 2025 because of an Achilles injury that required surgery. The Giants, who also went 3-14, moved on from quarterback Daniel Jones last season.

In 199 career NFL games, Wilson has completed 64.7 percent of his passes for 46,135 yards, 350 TDs and 111 interceptions. A 10-tme Pro Bowler, Wilson led the Seahawks to a 43-8 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII following the 2013 season.

–Field Level Media

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

QB Russell Wilson stays in the moment as Steelers take on Browns

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Though the Steelers are well on their way to an AFC North title, Pittsburgh quarterback Russell Wilson realizes there is still plenty of work to do.

Wilson is starting to feel like he might be part of something special as the Steelers prepare for a meeting with the host Cleveland Browns on Thursday night, but he also doesn’t want Pittsburgh to get ahead of itself.

“I definitely think that we have a chance (to make a deep playoff run),” said Wilson, who has played in two Super Bowls. “I think the biggest thing for us is continuing to just take each week as the most important week of it all.

“I think that it’s not really even just the week, it’s just the day, it’s just the moments in between. I think the greatest teams, the greatest players, in any sport, especially the teams I’ve been on, is the moment — it’s never too far away. It’s right here, right now. And you’re just locked into that.”

The Steelers (8-2) have certainly been locked in. They are currently riding a five-game winning streak, most recently edging the Baltimore Ravens 18-16 on Sunday.

Chris Boswell booted six field goals against Baltimore, while Wilson completed 23 of 36 passes for 205 yards and an interception.

Meanwhile, Cleveland (2-8) continues to go through the wringer. The Browns ended up on the wrong end of a 35-14 blowout while facing the host New Orleans Saints on Sunday, marking their seventh loss in the past eight games.

Cleveland now has to go up against one of the most unforgiving defenses in the league. Browns quarterback Jameis Winston is determined to direct a fundamentally sound performance against Pittsburgh, which allows the second-fewest points per game in the NFL (16.2).

“It’s precision passing. Getting the ball out on time. Elite operation and just doing our job. It’s the simple things,” Winston said. “This team (the Steelers) is not going to try and fool you. They’re going to line up and say, ‘Give us your best, we’re going to give you our best.’”

Winston threw for 395 yards and two touchdowns on 30-for-46 passing in the setback against New Orleans, with Jerry Jeudy hauling in six catches for 142 yards and a score. Star running back Nick Chubb continued to struggle since his return from a knee injury that cut his 2023 season short, finishing with 50 yards on 11 carries.

Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski is looking forward to the challenge that Pittsburgh presents.

“Great challenge playing the Steelers on Thursday night,” Stefanski said. “Well-coached team, great players on offense, defense and special teams, so we have to have a great week here to get ready for that game.”

The Browns could be without standout defensive end Myles Garrett, who missed practice on Tuesday because of a hip injury. Wide receiver Elijah Moore (shoulder), guard Joel Bitonio (pectoral) and cornerbacks Denzel Ward (ribs/ankle) and Greg Newsome II (shoulder) were among those limited during the session.

Linebacker Alex Highsmith is dealing with an ankle issue and missed the Steelers’ practice on Tuesday. Cornerback Cory Trice Jr. (hamstring) participated in full.

–Field Level Media