Wilson: I expect to be Giants starter

Russell Wilson projects himself to headline the New York Giants' quarterback depth chart this season after recently joining the team.

"I expect to be the starter and come in here and be ready to rock and roll every day," Wilson said Wednesday during his introductory press conference with New York, according to SNY. "This team is really looking for someone to lead them in every way."

Wilson agreed to join the Giants on Tuesday, signing a one-year deal worth up to $21 million. The 36-year-old started the final 11 games of the 2024 season for the Pittsburgh Steelers after missing time earlier in the campaign due to a calf injury.

"Being in New York, it's an exciting place to play. It's a place that wants to win, it's a place that knows how to win and has won before," Wilson added. "For me, it's bringing everything I know. All the experiences, all the touchdowns, all the wins. But also all the love and passion for the game."

The QB position is New York's biggest question mark after the franchise went 3-14 in 2024 and missed the playoffs for the seventh time in the past eight seasons. The Giants also roster passers Tommy DeVito and Jameis Winston, who signed a two-year, $8-million contract last week.

Despite adding two veterans, the Giants - who own the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft - reportedly haven't ruled out possibly selecting former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

"I love adversity. I love challenges. I love the underdog mentality. Maybe it's being 5-foot-11 and people telling you you can't do something," Wilson said, according to Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post.

The Giants reportedly showed interest in Aaron Rodgers and were waiting for the four-time NFL MVP to decide his future before exploring other options. Rodgers recently visited the Pittsburgh Steelers, who apparently were also in the mix to re-sign Wilson as a Plan B.

Wilson downplayed those reports Wednesday.

"Aaron Rodgers is a tremendous football player. I'm focused on right now, what we can do here. That's been my focus," Wilson said, according to Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports.

Wilson established himself as one of the NFL's best QBs while spending his first 10 campaigns with the Seattle Seahawks. He then had a disappointing two-season stint with the Denver Broncos between 2022-23 before signing a one-year contract with the Steelers in '24.

The 10-time Pro Bowler helped Pittsburgh make the playoffs last season by completing 63.7% of his passes with 16 touchdown throws against five interceptions. Wilson hasn't tossed more than 26 TDs in a campaign since passing for a career-high 40 in 2020.