May 16, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Wilson stands courtside during the fourth quarter of game six in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Russell Wilson Reveals ‘Special’ Reason Behind Giants Decision

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Rex Villas | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 8:41 AM ET

Russell Wilson’s best days in the NFL are likely behind him now, but that doesn’t mean he can’t make great memories to add to his legacy with his new team, the New York Giants.

After a stop with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2024 campaign, Wilson tested the waters of NFL free agency and eventually landed with the Giants, who signed him to a one-year, $10.5 million contract.

Wilson isn’t the only option for New York in the quarterback room, as the team also has Jameis Winston, Jaxson Dart and Tommy DeVito, but he’s widely perceived as the best one for the QB1 role come Week 1 of the new campaign.

Russell Wilson went to the Giants because of young wide receiver

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson watches play during the third quarter of Super Bowl LVIII between Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Turning things around for the Giants will be a tough challenge for Wilson, but a major reason he decided to join a team that won just three games and averaged the second-fewest points in the last season was none other than the talented Malik Nabers, who will just be 22 years old by the time the 2025 season comes around.

Via Nick Shook of NFL.com:

“I came here because of him,” Wilson said during a panel at Fanatics Fest over the weekend, via Empire Sports Media’s Anthony Rivardo. “I really wanted to play with someone who is special like him.”

Despite stability under center in 2024, Nabers managed to find a way to shine and deliver great numbers for the Giants. The former LSU Tigers star wide receiver racked up 1,204 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 109 catches in his rookie season. Those are impressive numbers, but it becomes more admirable when considering the fact that New York didn’t have quality quarterback play.

Dec 19, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers, left, and quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels celebrate a three point basket by the New Orleans Pelicans against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second quarter at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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