When Russell Wilson, veteran quarterback of New York Giants, was benched in Week 4 of the 2024 season, the league assumed his days in New York were numbered. Yet the 37‑year‑old didn’t ask for a release; instead he promised to mentor rookie Jaxson Dart and vowed, “I’m not done.” Now, with the NFL trade deadline looming on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, sources say the Giants are weighing a deal that could see Wilson on a new roster before the season’s second half.
Bench Decision and Wilson’s Mentorship Role
The benching came after the Giants’ coaching staff decided New York Giants needed a spark for a struggling offense. Jaxson Dart, the 22‑year‑old drafted in the fourth round, was promoted to starter on the belief he could develop into the franchise quarterback. In a press conference on Oct. 9, 2024, Wilson told reporters, “I know that I’m going to respond in the right way every day,” and added, “I love this organization, I love the process, I love the guys in the locker room.” The sentiment was captured by Michael Silver of NFL.com, who noted Wilson’s unwavering commitment to the team even after being demoted.
Trade Deadline Landscape
Industry insiders say the window is tight. The NFL’s trade deadline is set for 4 p.m. ET on Nov. 4, and teams in need of a veteran quarterback are scrolling through the waiver board. According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, the Giants have not actively shopped Wilson since the benching, but “the league at large understands he could be dealt.” If a deal materializes, the acquiring club would only pick up the prorated portion of Wilson’s $2 million base salary for the remainder of the season, because $8 million of his $10.5 million contract was paid out as a signing bonus.
Potential Trade Partners
The most talked‑about destination has been the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals suffer a shallow quarterback room after injuries, and analysts on a popular YouTube NFL channel highlighted them as “the only team that needs a veteran starter‑caliber quarterback.” However, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that the Bengals never called the Giants about Wilson before snapping up Joe Flacco from Cleveland on Oct. 8, 2024. AtoZ Sports corroborated that claim, stating the Bengals “never called the Giants about trading for either Russell Wilson or Jameis Winston.”
Beyond Cincinnati, other clubs nursing quarterback injuries—like the Atlanta Falcons, who currently have Kirk Cousins as a backup—could view Wilson as a low‑cost stop‑gap. The trade price would likely be a Day 3 (late‑round) draft pick, making the transaction financially palatable for a team looking to patch a hole without mortgaging future assets.
Financial and Contract Implications
Wilson’s contract situation adds a layer of intrigue. The $10.5 million deal for 2024 includes an $8 million signing bonus that has already been paid, meaning any new team inherits only the $2 million base salary, prorated over the remaining weeks. That translates to roughly $120,000 per week—practically a sweetener for a team needing experience. Moreover, Wilson is on a one‑year deal; the Giants will not retain him beyond 2025, so the trade would not affect long‑term salary cap planning.
From the Giants’ perspective, offloading Wilson could fetch a modest draft pick and free up a roster spot for a third‑string option like Jameis Winston, who currently sits as QB3. Winston, 30, has 87 career starts and could serve as a reliable backup if the team decides to double‑down on Dart.
What This Means for the Giants’ Future
If Wilson departs, the Giants double‑down on a bold rebuild: Jaxson Dart as the starter, with Winston as the safety net. The franchise hopes the young quarterback can grow under head coach Brian Daboll’s system while the offense finally clicks.
Should Wilson stay, he becomes a seasoned mentor—an invaluable presence for a rookie navigating the NFL’s steep learning curve. That scenario would also keep the Giants’ payroll relatively stable, given the low remaining base salary.
Either way, the trade deadline will force the organization to articulate its long‑term vision. Owner John Mara and co‑owner Steve Tisch have traditionally favored patience, but a late‑season move could signal a shift toward a quicker turnaround.
Key Takeaways
- Russell Wilson, 37, is a likely trade candidate before the Nov. 4 deadline.
- The Giants have paid $8 million of his contract as a signing bonus; any buyer assumes only a fraction of his $2 million base salary.
- Cincinnati Bengals were the primary rumor, but they have not pursued him.
- Late‑round draft pick compensation is the most plausible price.
- Wilson’s departure would cement Jaxson Dart as the starter; his stay would make him a veteran mentor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the trade rumor affect Jaxson Dart’s role with the Giants?
If Wilson is traded, Dart becomes the clear starter with no immediate veteran backup. The Giants would likely promote Jameis Winston to the second‑string slot, giving Dart full control of the offense and more reps in practice.
What teams have the most need for a veteran quarterback right now?
The Atlanta Falcons, dealing with injuries to Kirk Cousins, and the Detroit Lions, whose starter has been inconsistent, are top candidates. Both clubs could acquire Wilson for a late‑round pick and a modest salary.
Why didn’t the Bengals pursue Wilson after benching their own starter?
According to Dianna Russini, the Bengals opted for Joe Flacco, believing his experience matched their immediate needs better than Wilson’s. The move also avoided a potential salary‑cap entanglement, as Flacco’s contract fit more cleanly into their financial plan.
What financial impact would a Wilson trade have on the Giants’ salary cap?
Because $8 million of Wilson’s $10.5 million contract was a signing bonus already accounted for, the Giants would only lose the prorated portion of his $2 million base salary (about $120,000 per week). That frees up a small but valuable cap slice and eliminates any future obligations beyond 2024.
What does this situation reveal about the Giants’ long‑term strategy?
The franchise appears ready to commit to a youth‑centric rebuild centered on Dart. Trading Wilson would signal confidence in their draft picks and coaching staff, while retaining him would suggest a more measured approach, using his veteran presence to guide the rookie.
