Former Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson enters the 2025 campaign set to lead yet another new franchise.
After guiding the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 6-5 mark and Wild Card playoff berth as a starter in 2024, Wilson signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the New York Giants in late March. Following the 2025 NFL draft, head coach Brian Daboll told reporters the organization will lean toward Wilson, a 14-year veteran, as its starter for the 2025 slate.
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While he may not boast the same repertoire he did during his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson’s veteran leadership and experience in the NFL situates him as a presence in a crowded Giants quarterback room. The team also signed Jameis Winston this offseason, plus moved up to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart No. 25 overall in April’s draft.
In ProFootballFocus’ recent ranking of all starting quarterbacks ahead of the 2025 season, the outlet placed each passer in one of six tiers. Wilson landed at No. 27 on the list and in tier No. 5, titled ‘Veterans capable of solid play but could be quickly replaced.’
Sam Darnold (Seattle Seahawks) earned the No. 26 spot and Justin Fields (New York Jets), who played alongside Wilson in Pittsburgh a season ago, came in at No. 28 in the tier.
Here’s what the ProFootballFocus staff wrote about Wilson ahead of his next football chapter:
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“The clock is ticking on Wilson’s career. Now 36, he no longer has the mobility that once defined his game, and that limits his ceiling. He still grades well and posted a 79.5 overall mark in 2024, but he struggles to generate the efficiency needed to sustain a high-level offense. With the Giants selecting Jaxson Dart in the first round, head coach Brian Daboll may not hesitate to turn to the rookie if Wilson can’t deliver wins early in the season.”
Dart, Winston and former starter Tommy DeVito all fall behind Wilson in New York’s quarterback room. Each could see action if Wilson struggles. The Giants’ 2025 schedule is widely considered the most difficult in the NFL, so there could be a shift to either Dart or Winston if New York struggles early and often.
With the Steelers, Wilson logged 2,482 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions, plus 43 carries, 155 rushing yards and two rushing scores, finishing the year with his first winning season as a starter since 2020. The season culminated in a 28-14 first-round playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens in January.
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The former Badger ignited his NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks in 2012, where he went 104-53-1 in 10 years as the team’s starter and 9-7 in the postseason. He finished his Seahawk career with 158 starts, 65% completion, 37,059 passing yards, 262 touchdowns, 87 interceptions and a pair of Super Bowl appearances. The dynamic playmaker also logged 846 carries, 4,689 rushing yards and 23 rushing touchdowns during the most productive portion of his career.
The Giants begin the 2025 regular season with a test against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on Sept. 7, 2025.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin Football Russell Wilson ProFootballFocus ranking