Russell Wilson won’t save the New York Giants—but Brian Daboll is counting on him to fix them

When the New York Giants signed Russell Wilson ahead of the 2025 NFL season, it wasn’t to relive his Super Bowl glory days or chase MVP headlines. It was to stabilize a team that had just crashed to 3–14.

Head coach Brian Daboll, who took the job knowing the uphill climb, wasn’t blinded by Wilson’s past.

He studied more than 7,500 of Wilson’s plays before making the call. Not out of nostalgia—but out of necessity. Daboll wasn’t building an offense for 2013 Russell Wilson. He was preparing one for the quarterback standing in front of him now—older, battle-worn, but still purposeful. And that’s the version of Wilson the Giants are betting on.

Brian Daboll turns to Russell Wilson to fix the New York Giants after a 3–14 collapse and years of quarterback instability

Before Russell Wilson ever stepped foot into the Giants' facility, Brian Daboll had already put in the tape work. It wasn’t fanfare—it was forensic. From decision-making to pocket movement to deep-ball touch, Daboll saw enough to believe there was still something left. But as former Giants running back Tiki Barber said on WFAN on July 18, the city shouldn’t expect miracles.“They didn’t bring him here to be the future, to play until he’s 42 years old and help lead the New York Giants to a Super Bowl,” Barber explained.

“They brought him to reset the standard.”

Barber wasn’t being critical—he was being realistic. Wilson’s recent numbers back that up. Since winning a Super Bowl in 2013 and returning to another in 2014, he’s only managed four playoff wins in ten appearances—just one in the last seven years. His Denver stint was average, with fewer than 3,600 yards and middling passer ratings. By the time he arrived in Pittsburgh in 2024, the decline was sharper: around 2,500 yards and just 16 touchdowns.“Like you said, Sean, if that happens, fantastic. We will all take it. Trust us,” Barber said. “But I don’t know if he has that left.”

Russell Wilson’s leadership takes priority as Brian Daboll and the New York Giants rebuild through culture, not box scores

Barber emphasized that this signing wasn’t about touchdowns—it was about tone. “I kind of think he’s the perfect fit for what these Giants are trying to accomplish,” he said. Referencing conversations with both Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, Barber added, “Anytime you meet Russell Wilson, you can’t help but be uplifted in some capacity.”That presence is already registering in the locker room. Wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson said, “We couldn’t be more happy that he’s our quarterback.” Guard Greg Van Roten echoed that: “No stone goes unturned with him.”Russell Wilson wasn’t signed to chase confetti. He was brought to bring calm. After a season of instability, the Giants needed someone who could reset the tone. From the film room to the locker room, Brian Daboll made a clear choice. As Tiki Barber put it: Wilson might not be the future—but for the Giants’ present, he just might be perfect.Also Read: The Pittsburgh Steelers are betting big on 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers—but only Tom Brady has ever pulled it off