Russell Wilson's free agency wasn't the most exciting and closely watched process in recent memory, but he had options.
He signed with the Giants because he liked who his top target would be in New York: second-year wideout Malik Nabers.
"I came here because of him," Wilson said during a panel at Fanatics Fest over the weekend, via Empire Sports Media's Anthony Rivardo. "I really wanted to play with someone who is special like him."
Although the greater football populace might not yet be aware of it, Nabers is indeed special. He led the Giants in receiving as a rookie with 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns. Perhaps even more memorably, Nabers occasionally served as the only viable option in New York's offense in some matchups, such as his 18-target, 10-catch, 127-yard, one-touchdown showing in a 21-18 loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 2.
Before New York parted with quarterback Daniel Jones midseason, Nabers served as his figurative life preserver, the representation of hope amid a deteriorating situation. This explains how he broke 50 targets before the end of the first month of his pro career, and even after the Giants released Jones, every other quarterback leaned on Nabers almost as frequently. Nabers racked up a total of 109 receptions (on 170 targets) in his debut campaign, a season that also included two missed games due to a concussion.
Nabers dominated some contests (see: Week 3 at Cleveland, Week 17 versus Indianapolis) and proved he was a special talent unseen in New York since the early days of Odell Beckham. Wilson doesn't have to embellish much, because when he calls him special, those who know nod in agreement.
Wilson hopes 2025 will elevate the Giants to a larger platform as a team that is collectively turning toward a prosperous future.
"Also, too, we've got a lot of guys who have put a lot of hard work into it," Wilson said. "We've got a really good defense, rushing the passer. We've got a lot of dudes. That's a good thing."
Now, it's up to Wilson to prove he can be another good thing for a Giants club that could use some of it under center. The Giants have cycled through numerous quarterbacks since Eli Manning retired, and once it became clear Jones wasn't the answer, they were forced to find a veteran to fill the starting role. Along the way, they added two: Wilson and Jameis Winston. And to ensure they've covered their bases, they spent a first-round pick on Ole Miss product Jaxson Dart, filling out the quarterbacks room with short- and long-term options.
For Wilson, he's on a one-year deal. All that matters is 2025. And he's happy to be embarking upon it with Nabers, a receiver who found success with lesser passers last season.