Report: Giants Still in Play for Russell Wilson, Remain in the Mix for Aaron Rodgers
Even after the signing of Jameis Winston, Russell Wilson is still in play to join the New York Giants, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Winston signed a two-year, $8 million contract, so that’s definitely not starter money.
“(The Giants are) as much/more looking for a veteran starter than the Browns, definitely more than Vikings,” Florio wrote.
Florio also said the Giants technically remain in the mix for Aaron Rodgers, but that it currently “seems unlikely” he’ll go there. The Pittsburgh Steelers are considered a “safe bet” to land the four-time league MVP.
Russell Wilson reportedly is asking for $20 million to $30 million per year. That’s certainly a steep price for a 36-year-old quarterback that’s on the decline.
Wilson has visited with the Cleveland Browns and Giants, but he left without a deal. While that could be because those two teams are waiting on the Rodgers domino to fall first, they don’t have a ton of funds, either.
The Browns, who look like the favorites to land Wilson, have a little over $20 million in cap space and the Giants have a little over $17 million, per Over The Cap.
Wilson played 11 games last season, completing 214 of 316 passes (63.7%) for 2,482, 16 touchdowns, five interceptions, and a 95.6 passer rating.
Wilson struggled immensely during the Steelers’ late-season collapse, however. The Steelers failed to score more than 17 points during the five-game losing streak to end the season, a streak that hasn’t occurred since Chuck Noll’s first season in 1969. There were also reports that Wilson and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith butted heads over changing plays at the line of scrimmage.
Former Steelers head coach and Hall of Famer Bill Cowher weighed in on the Steelers mysterious quarterback situation during an interview on the Dan Patrick Show last week. Earlier this offseason, Cowher was on board with the Steelers signing Rodgers, but he’s now pivot to the team bringing back Wilson.
“I personally think that Russell Wilson is your best choice,” Cowher said. “It’s going to be a better offensive line room with (Troy) Fautanu coming back and moving Broderick (Jones) to left tackle. I think you’re looking at the best receiver corps you’re gonna have in a long time — if they can keep George Pickens. That’ll be the next conversation that you will have to have. Roman Wilson was a guy they were counting on last year. Calvin Austin III stepped up. I think the offense as a whole, with Arthur Smith in his second year, in theory, should take a step forward.”