Russell Wilson Signs $21M Deal with the New York Giants, His Wife Ciara Reacts

By [mc]

Nationwide — NFL quarterback Russell Wilson has agreed to a one-year deal with the New York Giants worth up to $21 million, including $10.5 million guaranteed, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The 36-year-old Super Bowl champion and 10-time Pro Bowl selection chose the Giants over offers from the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, returning to MetLife Stadium—where he once led the Seattle Seahawks to a dominant Super Bowl XLVIII victory.

Wilson’s signing significantly reshapes the Giants’ quarterback situation, all but removing the team from the pursuit of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has yet to announce his plans for the upcoming season. Wilson is expected to compete for the starting role, with Jameis Winston and Tommy DeVito also on the roster. Winston recently signed a two-year, $8 million deal in a backup capacity.

Despite Wilson’s arrival, the Giants may still pursue a long-term solution under center. The team holds the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, and co-owner John Mara has reiterated the organization’s commitment to securing a franchise quarterback for the future. None of the quarterbacks currently on the roster are signed beyond short-term deals, leaving the door open for the selection of a rookie signal-caller.

Wilson’s connection to New York goes beyond nostalgia. Reports suggest he had previously expressed interest in joining the Giants last offseason. However, the team instead opted to give Daniel Jones another opportunity. Jones was later benched due to underperformance and ultimately released, creating a vacancy that Wilson now steps into.

Last season, Wilson signed a short-term deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he started 11 games and posted a 6-5 record. Despite showing flashes of his former self, Wilson struggled with a calf injury and ended the season on a five-game losing streak. His tenure in Pittsburgh, though brief, served as a transition period after a tumultuous two-year run in Denver.

Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos from Seattle in 2022 in a high-profile deal. The Broncos signed him to a five-year, $242.6 million extension. However, the partnership fell short of expectations, with Wilson leading the team to an 11-19 record and failing to secure a playoff berth in either season. In 2024, Denver opted to release Wilson, absorbing more than $85 million in dead cap money—an NFL record for a single player.

Despite recent struggles, Wilson’s career achievements remain significant. He has accumulated 46,135 passing yards, 350 touchdowns, and 111 interceptions over his 13-year career, completing 64.7% of his passes. His legacy includes leading the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory and another Super Bowl appearance, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top quarterbacks during his prime years.

MetLife Stadium, the site of his greatest triumph, now becomes his home field once again—though under vastly different circumstances. As the Giants look to rebound from a challenging stretch of seasons, Wilson’s experience and leadership could provide stability while the team evaluates its future at the position.

Meanwhile, as Russell Wilson’s signing made headlines across the sports world, his wife, singer and entrepreneur Ciara, also had a moment in the spotlight. Ciara took to Instagram to share a milestone from her business venture, Ten To One Rum, a Caribbean-inspired spirits brand she co-owns. Posting a photo alongside her fellow board members, Ciara celebrated the growth of the company, writing, “Proud to be part of this incredible journey.”

Ciara’s post drew significant engagement, with fans congratulating both her and Wilson for their respective achievements. The couple, known for their philanthropic work and entrepreneurial pursuits, continue to expand their influence beyond entertainment and sports.

With Wilson now officially joining the Giants, the team enters the 2024 season with renewed optimism. The combination of veteran presence, draft capital, and financial flexibility gives New York multiple pathways to revitalize its franchise.

As the NFL offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on how Wilson adapts to his new environment and whether the Giants use their top draft pick to secure their quarterback of the future. For now, the focus is on Wilson’s return to the stadium where he once raised the Lombardi Trophy—and the potential for another chapter of success in the Big Apple.