Giants Russell Wilson Target Poised for Breakout Season

The New York Giants brought in a new cast of characters to the quarterback room to revamp their offense this offseason. Fans hope the additions of Russell Wilson and Jaxson Dart can improve a unit that was the second-worst scoring team in the NFL last season.

They may not turn into a top offense in the league over night, but there are high expectations for sophomore receiver Malik Nabers, as he continues his trajectory of becoming one of the league's bright young stars.

Another sophomore pass-catcher is also poised for a strong showing this season in second-year tight end Theo Johnson.

Johnson was a fourth-round NFL Draft pick of the Giants last offseason, and has shown great reason to believe next season could be a breakout year with the improved quarterback play.

The 6-6 prospect out of Penn State showed incredible promise in 2024, quickly earning a spot in the starting lineup. He got visible more comfortable seemingly every week last season, finishing the season with a productive 29 receptions for 331 yards and a touchdown.

Heading into his rookie campaign, Johnson expected this type of success ever since he was drafted by New York.

"I’m super excited to get to work and get going here, because I think I have a potential to be a really special player here,” Johnson said last offseason.

Unfortunately, Johnson's rookie season met a premature end when he suffered a Lisfranc fracture in his foot that sidelined him for the last five games of the season.

Since returning for voluntary workouts this offseason, Johnson has remained confident in his rehab. He has already gotten some reps running routes and catching passes with Wilson at a practice session in Atlanta.

"I'm feeling good," Johnson said. "We're taking it a day at a time. Like I said, I'm getting better every day, and I like where I'm at right now."

In this offseason's Draft, the Giants selected a seventh-round tight end in Thomas Fidone II, but the young core should still be led by Johnson as he returns to full strength.

Expect even more Johnson in 2025 as he has shown maturity in reflecting on a productive rookie season.

"It's really cool to know what to expect and kind of have my feet under me this year and not being a rookie and feeling like everything is kind of coming at me at a million miles an hour," Johnson said.

"It's really great to start from the beginning of the offseason program as well."