New York Giants Season: News, Schedule, Roster, and Highlights

Tag: Russell Wilson Giants Starter

  • NFL Owners Voting on Kickoff Tweaks as Giants Eye Top Draft Options

    NFL Owners Voting on Kickoff Tweaks as Giants Eye Top Draft Options

    The NFL is about to make some big changes and one of the proposals that has everyone talking is the potential overhaul of the kickoff. The competition committee will be voting on this and other proposals during the league meetings in Palm Beach, Florida from March 30 to April 2 so let’s look at how this could impact the New York Giants as they prepare for the 2025 season.

    1. Giants’ Draft Decision: Who Should They Take at No. 3?

    Just a week ago it seemed like a no brainer that the Giants would take a quarterback with the 3rd pick. But after signing veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston the focus has shifted. With these moves the Giants now have flexibility in how they approach the draft. Here are two of the most compelling options:

    Option 1: Travis Hunter (Colorado) – WR/CB

    Hunter is considered one of the top prospects in the draft and is ranked #1 by CBS Sports. He’s a unique asset because he won both the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and the Fred Biletnikoff Award for his offense. He might not start full time at both positions but imagine deploying him as a wide receiver and sprinkling him into defensive packages on 3rd down. This dual threat could change everything for the Giants.

    “Hunter is the best player in this class” writes Jordan Dajani. “Imagine him as a full time wide receiver with occasional stints at cornerback—now that’s a good possibility.”

    Option 2: Abdul Carter (Penn State) – EDGE

    A Pass rusher might not be the Giants’ biggest need but Abdul Carter is the best player in the draft according to many. If the Titans take Cam Ward at 1 and the Browns take Shedeur Sanders at 2, Carter could fall to the Giants. Adding a top edge rusher like Carter would strengthen the defense and give the Giants a building block.

    “Carter’s edge play speaks for itself,” Dajani says. “He’s the best non QB in this draft.”

    2. NFL Proposes Big Kickoff Rule Changes

    The competition committee has put forth several proposals for the 2025 season, including changes to the kickoff rules that could change the game.

    Make the Dynamic Kickoff Permanent

    Last year they tried out the dynamic kickoff—a rule designed to reduce high speed collisions by allowing coverage players to line up closer to the return team. Now they want to make it permanent. Plus:

    • Touchbacks to the 35: Currently, touchbacks put the ball at the 30. Under the new proposal, they’d be at the 35. This is to encourage returns rather than automatic touchbacks since teams would only need 20-25 yards to get to field goal range.According to Jonathan Jones, “League data shows a 65-75% return rate if touchbacks are at the 35—more than double the rate from 2024.”

    Easier Onside Kicks

    Another proposal would loosen the rules on onside kicks. Currently, only trailing teams in the 4th quarter can try them. If passed this would allow any trailing team to try an onside kick at any point in the game. It also changes the alignment rules for the kicking team to make recovery easier.

    Expanded Replay Assist

    Replay assist may soon cover more penalties, including hits on defenseless players, horse-collar tackles, tripping, and roughing/running into the kicker. Note that replay assist won’t create penalties where none were called—it will only overturn incorrect calls.

    All these proposals need 24 of 32 owners to approve at the annual meeting March 30-April 2 in Palm Beach, Florida.

    3. Russell Wilson to Start for Giants

    After signing with the Giants Russell Wilson said he didn’t sign to sit. In an interview he said he thinks he can still be a starter.

    “I’m here to play,” Wilson said. “I think I can still lead this team and bring success to New York.”

    With Wilson and Winston on the roster the Giants are set at QB—at least for now. Whether Wilson starts remains to be seen but his veteran presence helps in the locker room.

  • Russell Wilson on Giants QB Battle: ‘I Expect to Be the Starter’

    Russell Wilson on Giants QB Battle: ‘I Expect to Be the Starter’

    After signing with the New York Giants on a one-year, $21 million deal ($10.5 million guaranteed), veteran quarterback Russell Wilson made it clear he’s not just here to hold the clipboard. During a Zoom news conference on Wednesday, Wilson talked about his expectations for the season and his plan to get the Giants back to relevance.

    Wilson’s Confidence in Securing the Starting Role

    When asked about his role with the Giants, Wilson didn’t beat around the bush.

    “I expect to be the starter and come in here and be ready to go every day,” Wilson said. “To be able to lead—I think this team’s looking for someone to lead them in every way.”

    Head coach Brian Daboll hasn’t officially named him the starter yet, but Wilson’s confidence comes from his track record and leadership. Over 13 NFL seasons, Wilson has been to 9 Pro Bowls, thrown for 46,135 yards, 350 touchdowns, and only 111 interceptions. He’s a natural fit for a Giants team that needs stability at the position.

    The Giants’ QB room currently has Jameis Winston, the 2015 first overall pick who signed a 2-year, $8 million deal, and undrafted signal-caller Tommy DeVito, who has started 8 games over the past 2 seasons. With Wilson’s big contract, he’s the front runner, so we’ll see how fast he can become the leader of this offense.

    Wilson’s Mentality: Embracing the Underdog Role

    Despite joining a team that went 3-14 last season, Wilson isn’t worried. In fact, he loves the challenge of turning things around in the NFC East.

    “I love being the underdog,” Wilson said. “I think that’s been my approach every day of my life. I don’t know, maybe being 5-11, I don’t know what it is, but people tell you you can’t do something. I love challenges, I love adversity, I love all that stuff.”

    Wilson pointed to his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers as proof of his resilience. After winning his first six starts last season, the team lost five in a row to end the year. Despite that, Wilson is optimistic about flipping the script in New York.

    “And I think the best part is just trying to get us on the other side of winning.”

    Building Chemistry with the Roster

    One of Wilson’s greatest strengths has always been his ability to connect with his teammates. During the presser, he rattled off a list of current and former players he likes, including high praise for Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers who had a great 2024 season.

    “I’ve watched Malik closely,” Wilson said. “He’s explosive, he’s dynamic and he’s got that spark that can change games.”

    By already watching film and getting to know the roster, Wilson is wasting no time getting started. His proactive approach shows he’s committed to fixing the offense.

    The Aaron Rodgers Factor

    The elephant in the room? The Giants reportedly considered signing four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers before signing Wilson. When asked if the Rodgers rumors bothered him, Wilson shrugged it off.

    “Aaron Rodgers is a great football player,” Wilson said. “He’s done some amazing things in this league. I’ve been lucky to do some great things too and really what I’m focused on is now and what we can do here. That’s been my focus since I signed and everything else.”

    Wilson said finding a team that believes in him was key to his decision. For now he’s all about proving he’s the right man for the job in New York.

    What About the Draft? Could Shedeur Sanders Enter the Picture?

    With the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Giants could still select a quarterback like Shedeur Sanders if the Cleveland Browns pass on him (the Tennessee Titans are expected to take Cam Ward first overall). Wilson talked about competing with a rookie, saying change is inevitable in the NFL.

    “There’s constant movement and everything else,” Wilson said. “If we draft a quarterback, we’ll make sure he does everything he can to be ready to go and be prepared mentally. But for me, it’s about winning.”

    His point was clear: regardless of who joins the team, Wilson will focus on what he can control—and that means leading by example and being great every day.

    Why Wilson Makes Sense for the Giants

    Bringing in Wilson gives the Giants flexibility heading into the draft. Instead of feeling like they have to take a quarterback at 3, they can address other needs—like the O-line or secondary. And Wilson’s veteran presence provides stability and mentorship for younger players, whether they’re drafted this year or developed internally.

    But Wilson knows nothing is guaranteed. At 36, he knows he has to earn respect and trust within the organization.

    “For me, it’s about winning,” Wilson said. “Every day I’m going to step on that field and give everything I’ve got.”

    A New Start for Wilson and the Giants

    Russell Wilson’s arrival in New York is a new start—for him and the franchise. While there are questions about the long term at the position, Wilson’s confidence, work ethic and leadership say he’s ready for the challenge.

    As the Giants go through this offseason, all signs point to Wilson being the guy in 2025. Whether he’s mentoring a potential heir apparent or cementing his legacy as a late career renaissance man, one thing is for sure: Russell Wilson isn’t going down without a fight.

    “I’m excited to lead everybody,” Wilson said. And he sounds excited.