How Russell Wilson Can Double Earnings with Giants
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson can double his earnings thanks to his contract with the New York Giants.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson joined the New York Giants on a one-year, $10.5 million deal. But his contract details prove he can double that in 2025.
According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Wilson’s one-year deal can be worth up to $21 million, includes an $8 million signing bonus, $2 million fully guaranteed and a $500,000 workout bonus. There are also a bunch of incentives based on performance and playing time.
Wilson can make up to $2.5 million in play-time incentives. If he plays 65% of the snaps, he’ll get $500,000. If he plays 75% of the snaps, he gets an extra $1 million, and if he plays 85%, he’ll make $1.5 million.
The contract also includes up to $2.5 million in performance incentives. Wilson will get an additional $500,000 if he has a passer rating above 96.0 and another $500,000 for a 64%+ completion percentage.
If Wilson throws 20+ touchdowns and has a passer rating over 88, he can earn yet another $500,000. And then another $250,000 if he throws 30+ touchdowns with a passer rating of over 88.
He can also earn $500,000 if he throws for over 2,500 yards with a passer rating of 88+ and yet another $250,000 if he throws for more than 3,500 yards with a passer rating over 88.
Wilson can make up to $2.5 million in playoff incentives, too. If he plays 55% of the snaps and the Giants make the playoffs, he’ll get another $750,000. If he plays 75% of the snaps and the Giants make the playoffs, he’ll get $1.5 million. And if he plays 55% of the snaps and the Giants win a playoff game, he’ll add another $500,000. A second playoff win will earn him an extra $500,000.
Lastly, Wilson can earn up to $3 million in win incentives. He’ll get another $176,470.59 for every game he plays more than 50% of the snaps and the Giants win.
So why does any of this matter?
Right now, the Steelers are set to net a fifth-round compensatory pick for Wilson in 2026. However, if he hits all of his incentives, that will jump up to a third-round pick, giving Pittsburgh even more ammo to go get its next franchise quarterback.
Wilson said on Thursday that he “expects to be the starter.” Steelers fans must now hope that remains the case for the entire 2025 season.