Russell Wilson Draws Interest from Browns and Giants Amidst Quarterback Carousel

The NFL quarterback market continues to be a whirlwind of activity, and veteran signal-caller Russell Wilson is poised to be a significant player in the 2025 offseason. After a season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Wilson is reportedly set to meet with the Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants, two franchises desperately seeking stability at the quarterback position.

Wilson’s career has been marked by both Super Bowl glory and recent challenges. His time in Denver didn’t pan out as either side hoped, leading to his release and subsequent signing with the Steelers. Now, at 36 years old, Wilson is seeking a new opportunity to prove he can still be a valuable asset to a team contending for a championship.

The Browns, owners of the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, will be the first to host Wilson on Thursday. Their quarterback situation is particularly precarious due to the struggles and injuries of Deshaun Watson. The high expectations that accompanied Watson’s acquisition and lucrative contract have not materialized. Watson’s on-field performance has been inconsistent, and a devastating Achilles injury prematurely ended his 2024 season, leaving the Browns in a difficult position.

Adding further complications, Watson reportedly re-injured his Achilles during the rehabilitation process, casting doubt on his availability for the 2025 season. This uncertainty has forced the Browns to explore alternative options, and Wilson represents a veteran presence who could potentially provide a steady hand under center. While he’s not the long-term answer, Wilson could offer the Browns a chance to compete in the short term while they continue to assess Watson’s recovery and consider their options in the draft.

Following his visit with the Browns, Wilson is scheduled to meet with the New York Giants on Friday. The Giants, holding the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, are also facing significant questions at the quarterback position. Their investment in Daniel Jones has not yielded the desired results. After signing a four-year, $160 million extension, Jones struggled to replicate his previous success, and the Giants ultimately decided to move on.

The Giants’ quarterback woes were further compounded by injuries to Jones and the underwhelming performances of backups Tommy DeVito and Drew Lock. The result was a disappointing 3-14 season, leaving the team in desperate need of an upgrade at the most important position on the field.

While Wilson is a potential option for the Giants, they are also reportedly interested in acquiring Aaron Rodgers. The four-time MVP, another veteran quarterback with Super Bowl pedigree, could be an appealing alternative to Wilson. However, Rodgers’ decision will likely influence the Giants’ pursuit of Wilson. If Rodgers chooses to sign elsewhere, the Giants could turn their attention to Wilson as a viable option to lead their offense.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, Wilson’s former team, are also reportedly in the mix for Rodgers, further complicating the quarterback landscape. This adds another layer of intrigue to the situation, as the Steelers could potentially choose to bring in Rodgers to replace Wilson.

Wilson is officially a free agent as of Wednesday at 4 p.m., the start of the new league year. He was allowed to speak to teams during the legal free agent tampering period that began on Monday. Some free agent quarterbacks have already found new homes, with Sam Darnold joining the Seattle Seahawks and Justin Fields, Wilson’s former teammate in Pittsburgh, expected to be the starter with the New York Jets.

Wilson’s market value is an important factor to consider. After signing a veteran-minimum deal with the Steelers last season, his contract demands will be closely watched. While he may not command the same level of compensation as he did earlier in his career, Wilson is likely seeking a contract that reflects his experience and potential value to a team.

In his 11 games with the Steelers, Wilson threw for 2,482 yards and 16 touchdowns, leading the team to a 6-5 record and a playoff berth as a wild card team. While his numbers were solid, he wasn’t the dominant force he once was. However, he demonstrated that he can still be an effective quarterback in the right situation.

The Browns and Giants represent potential landing spots where Wilson could potentially revitalize his career. The Browns, with their talented roster and strong defense, could be a team on the cusp of contention with a reliable quarterback under center. The Giants, while further away from contention, offer Wilson an opportunity to lead a storied franchise and potentially mentor a young quarterback drafted in the future.

Ultimately, Wilson’s decision will likely depend on a combination of factors, including the team’s overall competitiveness, the coaching staff’s vision for his role, and the financial terms of the offer. As the quarterback carousel continues to spin, Russell Wilson is poised to be a central figure in shaping the landscape of the NFL in 2025. The meetings with the Browns and Giants will be critical in determining his next destination and the next chapter of his NFL career. He brings a wealth of experience and Super Bowl-winning pedigree to the table, making him an intriguing option for any team seeking to upgrade their quarterback position. Whether he lands in Cleveland, New York, or elsewhere, Russell Wilson’s next move will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. His potential to provide stability and leadership makes him a valuable asset in a league where quarterback play is paramount.