Russell Wilson’s future in New York is hanging by a thread. According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, the veteran quarterback is “expected to emerge as a trade candidate before the Nov. 4 deadline,” even though he has no plans to request a release. Wilson joined the New York Giants this March on a one-year deal that could rise to $21 million with incentives.

Wilson, at 36, has a resume that is worth taking note of. An all-time record career passer rating of 99.8 (5th all time in NFL history), 350 career TD passes, 10 Pro Bowl invitations, and an indelible Super Bowl XLVIII ring. Nevertheless, despite all that hardware, CBS Sports reporter Jonathan Jones is of the opinion that the state of affairs concerning quarterback in the Giants has left the door open to speculation league wide.

“The Giants have not actively shopped Wilson since benching him in Week 4,” Jones wrote, “but the league at large understands he could be dealt. The acquiring team would owe Wilson only the prorated portion of his $2 million base salary while giving up what sources believe would be a Day 3 draft pick.”

It’s a financially manageable move. And that’s what makes it intriguing. Wilson’s $10.5 million salary includes an $8 million signing bonus, according to Spotrac. Meaning any suitor would only absorb what’s left of his $2 million base. For a player with 46,913 passing yards (15th all-time) and 5,556 rushing yards (4th among QBs), the math checks out. Next to nothing, you would be purchasing veteran leadership, playoff experience. And one of the most versatile arms in the history of the NFL.

“New York is less likely to deal third-string quarterback Jameis Winston after signing him to a two-year contract in the offseason,” Jones added.

 Such a minor thing makes New York adaptable. Rookie Jaxson Dart is now starting at center. And Winston is holding his own as a third-year quarterback, making Wilson a moving target. He is not insisting on a trade or a release, but the Giants are keeping the door open. They are aware that the market might arrive to them.

And right now, it might. Teams such as the Cincinnati Bengals were quickly struck by the news that Joe Burrow had his toe operated on, which might keep him off the field for months. Or the Minnesota Vikings, whose offense continues to be stabilized by Carson Wentz, are both considered possible fits. They are franchises that might employ a veteran who has been in all conceivable situations, whether it was in his MVP race or when the season got out of control.

The way that Wilson gets here is virtually film-like. Seattle picked him in the third round in 2012 as an underdog, and he turned into a legend of the franchise. His four-year, $140 million Seahawks extension once made him the league’s highest-paid player. Then came the blockbuster trade to Denver and a five-year, $245 million deal. Only for the Broncos to cut him loose before the extension even kicked in, eating a historic $85 million dead cap hit.

After that, Wilson had to start over. He spent 2024 with Pittsburgh on a veteran minimum deal before signing his current one-year pact with the Giants. The hope was for one final run. A shot at redemption. But three weeks in, the numbers tell a different story.

Russell Wilson faces uncertain future

Wilson has appeared in three games, completing 59.1% of passes for 778 yards. With three touchdowns and three interceptions, adding 94 rushing yards on the ground. The raw talent is still there, but consistency hasn’t followed. He currently ranks 30th in QBR (33.4) and 27th in completion rate, and all three of his touchdowns came in a single Week 2 shootout. A 40-37 loss to the Cowboys, where he threw for 450 yards and looked briefly like vintage Russ.

In Kansas City, he only gained 160 yards and 2 picks. Which made Brian Daboll decide to give the chance to the rookie Dart. Despite this, Wilson has not been complaining. He has remained active in meetings, assumed a mentor role, and even told reporters, “I am not done.“

The market is right in that, but who receives subsequent opportunity is determined by the market. The Giants would be fortunate to get him as a Day 3 pick with his age and his inconsistent play. But history has demonstrated that the desperation of quarterbacks has the ability to pervert reason. And so here we are again.

Russell Wilson, a man with a Hall of Fame record who has some business to finish, is waiting to find out whether one more team is convinced that the old magic can still be ignited.