Seattle Seahawks fans got a fresh Russell Wilson update right as the franchise heads into the NFC playoffs with a first-round bye. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that Wilson – now with the New York Giants – quickly shifted into a mentor role for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart after being benched early in the season.
Wilson is playing on a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the Giants (up to $21 million with incentives), and the report adds another wrinkle to what his next NFL chapter could look like after this season.
Russell Wilson’s QB change in New York flipped his season fast
The Giants signed Wilson to start, then pivoted to Dart after a rough 0-3 start. New York had traded back into Round 1 to take Dart at No. 25 overall, a move that signaled the franchise was always thinking long-term at quarterback.
Rapoport’s latest story details how Wilson responded once the decision came down. Dart told NFL.com that Wilson was the first person to call him after the coaches made the change, telling the rookie he “had his back” and offering help with anything he needed.
New York’s season also included major instability, including a midseason coaching change after the Giants fired head coach Brian Daboll and named offensive coordinator Mike Kafka the interim head coach.
Why this Russell Wilson update hits differently for Seahawks fans right now
In Seattle, Wilson will always be tied to the Seahawks’ modern peak, and his reputation as a relentless worker and leader is basically part of the franchise’s DNA at this point.
That’s why Dart’s description is notable: he said Wilson obsessively watches tape, asks about Dart’s process and study schedule, and helps with adjustments on the sideline and iPad, essentially acting like a “caddy” between drives.
It’s also timely because the Seahawks’ current quarterback situation is the opposite of uncertain. Seattle signed Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million contract with $55 million guaranteed, and Darnold just helped clinch the NFC’s No. 1 seed.
Hard nugget for cap/roster-watchers: per OverTheCap, Darnold’s deal includes a trigger where $17.5 million of his 2026 salary becomes fully guaranteed if he’s on the roster on the 5th day of the 2026 waiver period.
What happens next for Wilson and the Seahawks’ playoff run
Wilson has said he still believes he can be a starter, and he did flash upside this season, most notably a 450-yard, three-TD performance against the Cowboys. But with Dart entrenched as the franchise QB, Wilson’s short-term path looks like veteran support (and potentially a bridge-starter market elsewhere).
Meanwhile, the Seahawks earned the NFC West title and top seed with a 13-3 win over the San Francisco 49ers, setting up a divisional-round home game after the bye.
Key details
- Russell Wilson signed a one-year, $10.5M deal with the Giants (up to $21M with incentives).
- Giants drafted Jaxson Dart at No. 25 after trading back into Round 1.
- Dart says Wilson called him first after the benching and became a daily resource.
- Seahawks are 14-3 and the NFC’s No. 1 seed after beating the 49ers 13-3.
- Seahawks QB Sam Darnold: 3 years, $100.5M, $55M guaranteed.
Ex-Seahawks QB Russell Wilson gets Major Career Update