NFL Rumors: Russell Wilson 'Wanted to Remain' with Steelers Before Giants Contract

Signing with the New York Giants was reportedly not quarterback Russell Wilson's first choice.

According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Wilson wanted to re-sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers "right up till the end," but he ultimately agreed to join the Giants.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that Wilson and the Giants came to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $21 million with $10.5 million guaranteed.

Schefter added that Wilson had conversations with the Giants, Steelers and Cleveland Browns before deciding to sign with New York.

After spending 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and two with the Denver Broncos, Wilson signed a one-year deal with the Steelers last offseason.

He missed the first six games of the 2024 campaign due to a calf injury, but took over as the starter upon returning. Wilson posted a 6-5 record and completed 63.7 percent of his passes for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions.

While Wilson helped lead Pittsburgh to the playoffs, the team lost its final four regular-season games and fell 28-14 to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Wild Card Round.

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported Wednesday that the Steelers weren't truly interested in re-signing Wilson by all accounts.

People within the organization reportedly feel the 36-year-old veteran is "physically done," and the Steelers "never really tried" to bring him back.

The Steelers lost both Wilson and Justin Fields in free agency, and they brought back Mason Rudolph, who was on the team previously from 2018 to 2023.

Pittsburgh still has an obvious need at quarterback, and while nothing is official yet, all signs point toward the Steelers signing future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers to be the starter in 2025.

The Giants were seemingly the Steelers' closest competition for Rodgers, but the Giants signing Jameis Winston and then Wilson may have been an admission that Rodgers had already made up his mind in favor of Pittsburgh.

Schefter reported last week that Rodgers "spent about six hours" at the Steelers' facility, meeting with various members of the organization.

The Steelers are a team built to win now, and although Rodgers is 41 years of age, an argument can be made that he gives them a better chance to win than Wilson does.

As for Wilson, he is likely set to compete with Winston for the Giants' starting quarterback job, but little is expected of the Giants in 2025 in terms of winning after they went just 3-14 last season.