The Denver Broncos have played two full regular-season slates plus an additional two games without Russell Wilson as their starting QB. As the 2025 campaign comes to a close, Wilson appears to be headed for another new team.
He may get it.
And unlike when he left the Broncos, the conversation will be about Wilson’s performances on the field rather than his fit inside a locker room.
Ex-Broncos QB Russell Wilson Gets Encouraging Forecast
GettyRussell Wilson #3 of the New York Giants on the field after facing the New York Jets.
Wilson, who turned 37 in November, had an 11-19 record as the Broncos’ starter. He had 6,594 yards, 42 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions on 63.3% completion. A clash of personalities and playing style preferences ultimately led to Wilson’s ouster following the 2023 season.
Wilson signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the New York Giants this past offseason. He spent 2024 with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
That year-to-year pattern, and the role that comes with it, could be key for Wilson’s future.
“Wilson’s resume speaks for itself, with 10 Pro Bowls and two Super Bowl appearances, including one ring — plus he’s a Walter Payton Man of the Year winner, capable of impacting a community like he impacted the locker room,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport wrote on January 4, noting how well the ex-Broncos star supported Giants rookie first-round pick Jaxson Dart.
“Could a team looking for a bridge starter be interested? Either way, he’s expected to have a role, just as he did this year morphing into the caddy role right when Dart comes off the field. It’s possible this experience could help him in 2026.”
After opening the season as the Giants’ starter, Wilson ceded duties to Dart after Week 3. He also fell behind Jameis Winston on the depth chart.
Wilson is officially inactive in Week 18, but will serve as the Giants’ emergency third QB.
Russell Wilson in New Phase of Career
GettyRussell Wilson #3 of the New York Giants looks on before a game against the New York Jets.
The Broncos acquired Wilson to help usher in the kind of prosperity they had not experienced since Peyton Manning retired. That was following the 2015 season. Denver appears to be on track with Bo Nix, whom they drafted 12th overall in 2024 as Wilson’s predecessor.
The Giants hope they are emulating that process. That is, even though the results have not come this season in terms of wins and losses.
The Steelers replaced Wilson with 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers and are in the postseason.
There are multiple ways for a team to address its QB situation. Wilson appears capable of serving as a bridge to at least get a younger QB through the learning process of the offseason program, training camp, and the preseason and into the campaign.
Wilson’s willingness to do so is the key, and there were reservations about how he could handle such a scenario following his Broncos exit.
He has answered those questions, receiving strong praise from Dart.
Jaxson Dart Praises Russell Wilson
GettyJaxson Dart #6 and Russell Wilson #3 of the New York Giants celebrate against the New England Patriots.
Dart lauded Wilson, saying the former Broncos star was welcoming to him since they became teammates.
“From the moment I got here Russ has been nothing but just an amazing person, a great teammate, a really good mentor,” Dart told Rapoport. “He really cares about football, like he has an obsession, an addiction to the game. He just wants to win, and he’ll do whatever that takes as a teammate, whether he’s on the field or off the field.”
Dart said that Wilson’s actions and demeanor during a difficult situation “spoke volumes” about the veteran’s character. That is exactly the kind of endorsement teams looking to groom their young QBs want to hear about a potential veteran addition.
Ex-Broncos QB Russell Wilson Gets Key Career Update as Offseason Looms