In a move that sent shockwaves through the NFL world late Saturday night, the New York Giants have reportedly decided to part ways with veteran quarterback and nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson before the end of the 2025 season.
Multiple league sources confirmed that head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen held a closed-door meeting with Wilson earlier this week to inform him of the organization’s intent to move forward without him. While the team has yet to issue an official statement, internal sources say the decision is “final and already in motion.”
A Short, Tumultuous Tenure
Wilson, 36, signed a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the Giants in March after his release from the Denver Broncos. Seen as a short-term bridge to rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, Wilson was expected to provide leadership, stability, and veteran savvy in a transitional year for New York.
While he showed flashes of his former self in minicamp and OTAs, coaches reportedly grew frustrated with inconsistency in reads and hesitation in the pocket during recent practices.
“He’s still got the IQ, the work ethic, and the command,” said one team staffer on condition of anonymity. “But the arm just doesn’t scare anyone anymore.”
The Giants, currently in full developmental mode with Dart and veteran Jameis Winston also on the roster, appear to have decided that splitting first-team reps three ways was no longer sustainable.
What Comes Next for Wilson?
Wilson is expected to be designated for release with a post-June 1 designation, giving the Giants minimal cap consequences and opening the door for the nine-time Pro Bowler to potentially join a contender as a backup—or possibly retire.
Several QB-needy teams, including the Minnesota Vikings and Las Vegas Raiders, have been loosely linked to Wilson should he hit the market.
“I’m not done,” Wilson told reporters earlier this month. “I’ve still got a lot left in the tank—and I’m gonna show that this year.”
If released, Wilson would finish his Giants stint without having played a regular-season snap, making it his second consecutive team exit without a lasting impact following a rocky two-year run in Denver.
The Giants Turn to the Future
With Wilson out of the picture, the Giants are expected to enter training camp with Jaxson Dart as the favorite to win the starting job, backed by Winston, whose steady play and affordable deal make him a natural mentor and safety net.
New York’s decision underscores a broader strategy of rebuilding through youth, speed, and flexibility—a vision that leaves little room for fading veterans, no matter how decorated.
“It’s always tough saying goodbye to a guy with that résumé,” said a Giants assistant coach. “But this is a business, and the future waits for no one.”
Russell Wilson, who has amassed over 43,000 career passing yards and a Super Bowl title, now faces the most uncertain chapter of his career. Whether he finds a new team—or decides to hang up his cleats—remains to be seen.
