How Much Better Does Russell Wilson Make Giants?

A season ago, the New York Giants entered camp with little optimism surrounding the offense. Quarterback Daniel Jones, recovering from an ACL tear, had run out of goodwill with the fanbase. Receiver Malik Nabers was all the rage as he obliterated opposing corners and made one-handed catches throughout the summer, but tied to Jones, expectations were low. At running back, well, nobody was going to fill Saquon Barkley’s shoes.

Things went about as poorly as pessimistic fans may have anticipated. Jones struggled before eventually being benched (and released). Nabers was among the best receivers in the league but grew visibly frustrated with his offensive environment. And just half a season into a three-year deal, running back Devin Singletary was unseated by rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr.

In 2025, New York’s offense is incredibly similar, with the only change coming at quarterback. General manager Joe Schoen is banking that Russell Wilson will make the difference and elevate a unit that crashed and burned last season.

In Sports Illustrated’s ranking of each team’s offensive trio, the Giants’ placement reveals Wilson’s true value.

Ultimately, New York ranked 23rd, between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.

“This isn’t a trio that will get the Giants to the Super Bowl, or likely even the playoffs, but it’s better than what the team has been trotting out in recent years,” Matt Verderame wrote. “Nabers is a burgeoning superstar after posting a 1,000-yard season as a rookie, while Wilson is basically Joe Montana compared to Daniel Jones and Tommy DeVito. Tracy is also a solid back after registering 839 yards and five touchdowns on 4.4 YPC last year.”

It goes without saying that the quarterback position held New York back a season ago, which means Wilson doesn’t have to be elite to represent a massive improvement. Bridging the gap from bad to average can net serious benefits, especially if the Giants’ defense takes advantage of their newfound opportunities.

Wilson ranked 21st in expected points added per play, 26th in success rate, and sixth in completion percentage over expected (per rbsdm). Jones, in his shortened season, ranked 27th, 19th, and 16th, respectively.

Also adding to New York’s upswing is the perception of Nabers. Heading into his rookie year, Nabers was a high-profile prospect but still an unknown. By the end month of games, he put that to rest. Emerging as a superstar undoubtedly played a role in adding credibility to the unit.

Ultimately, it’s hard to see the Giants’ offense emerging as above-average in 2025. If it can provide a stable environment for Jaxson Dart to eventually blossom, Wilson will have done more than enough for his one season in New York.