The New York Giants revamped the quarterback room throughout the offseason, signing veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston before selecting Jaxson Dart in the NFL Draft. While Wilson is the presumed short-term starter as Dart adjusts to the NFL, one report suggests Winston could win the job and put the one-time Super Bowl champion on the trade block.
According to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, some decision-makers within the Giants organization prefer Winston to Wilson. While Wilson still appears to be the frontrunner for QB1 duties, Schwartz’s report suggests Wilson’s job may not be as safe as some believe.
The present-day version of Russell Wilson is nowhere close to the Seahawks version, but he’s still a starting-caliber quarterback who could be an adequate short-term starter for the right team. If the Giants opt to roll with Winston as QB1 for the start of the season, don’t be surprised if they trade Russell Wilson to one of the following teams.
New York Giants Prefer Jameis Winston, Could Trade Russell Wilson
Possible Fits
New Orleans Saints
As of this posting, the New Orleans Saints seem content to roll into the season with second-round rookie Tyler Shough and former fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler battling for the starting job. While the Saints are long overdue for a rebuild, they should add more experience to this quarterback room. Rattler had his moments last year, but he largely struggled in relief of the injured Derek Carr. Shough, meanwhile, has yet to play an NFL snap and could use some veteran guidance to become the team’s next franchise quarterback. Russell Wilson makes perfect sense as a short-term starter and potential mentor on the sideline.
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns have four quarterbacks fighting for the starting job, and none of them are particularly inspiring. Joe Flacco is well past his prime, Kenny Pickett crashed and burned in Pittsburgh, and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders must overcome low draft capital to stay relevant in the league. Russell Wilson may not be a star, but the potential trade candidate will provide a floor of adequate play if he joins the Browns.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a quarterback away from being legitimate Super Bowl contenders. After winning 14 games with Sam Darnold under center, the team will move forward with 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy leading the offense. Based on his time in Michigan, McCarthy should be able to operate the offense and lead this team on a deep playoff run. However, this Super Bowl or bust roster could use another veteran option in case the inexperienced starter needs time to adjust to the game. While Sam Howell had his moments with the Washington Commanders in 2023, Wilson is a more stable option who gives this team a higher ceiling if forced into action.
Main Photo: Julian Leshay Guidal – Imagn Images
