Analyst feels $10,000,000 is good reason for Russell Wilson to keep playing in NFL despite poor performance

Modified Mar 30, 2025 15:06 GMT

NFL: JAN 30 Pro Bowl Thursday Skills Showdown - Source: Getty — Russell Wilson's future in the NFL may be uncertain if the season doesn't go well (image credit: getty)

Russell Wilson had success at points last season with Pittsburgh. However, a late-season crash led to the Steelers getting eliminated in the wild-card round. On Wednesday, Wilson started a new chapter in the NFL with the New York Giants when he signed a one-year $10.5 million deal.

On the latest episode of the "3 and Out" podcast, NFL analyst John Middlekauf answered a question from a fan in the "Middlekauf Mailbag" segment. A fan asked if Wilson's poor performances in the last few seasons have ruined his chances of getting inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Middlekauf said that Wilson's resume would be reviewed not just for a few seasons. He added that while many would consider retirement, getting $10 million for a season is a reason to continue.

"I do wonder, Russell Wilson now, it's like would he be better off if this year doesn't go well just to quit? I don't know," Middlekauf said on Saturday (28:40). "I mean obviously from a financial standpoint, if you can keep making $10 million, I wouldn't blame him if he wants to keep making $10 million."

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The Giants are hopeful that Wilson's experience and success throughout his career will stabilize their offense in the 2025 campaign.

Russell Wilson's signing with Giants brings him back to 2014 Super Bowl

Russell Wilson has expressed his excitement to join the New York Giants and play for the diehard fan base. His move to the team also brings him back to a special place in his NFL journey: MetLife Stadium.

Wilson shared a photo of MetLife Stadium on his X account shortly after signing. Wilson won his one and only Super Bowl title at the stadium with the Seattle Seahawks in February 2014.

"Been here before… can’t wait to do it again. #MetLife @Giants," Wilson tweeted.

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Wilson decided to sign with the Giants instead of waiting to see what direction the Pittsburgh Steelers would take at the quarterback position. The Steelers are at a stalemate with veteran QB Aaron Rodgers, who has yet to decide his future in the NFL.

About the author

Bethany Cohen is an NFL writer at Sportskeeda, with a rich prior 15-year experience in the sports writing industry, primarily covering the MLB and MiLB. She majored in Communications from the University of South Florida and has previously worked for top companies such as Examiner.com and Legends on Deck.

Bethany owes her NFL allegiance to the Pittsburgh Steelers owing to their long-standing tradition and competitiveness. She is a fan of old stalwarts such as Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris and would love to watch them in the 1970s if she manages to get her hand on a time machine. She also acknowledges the greatness of modern icons like T.J. Watt for his desire to continuously improve despite being on top. She admires coaches Mike Tomlin and Andy Reid for their longevity and success.

The ace reporter credits her knowledge and love for the sport to be her biggest reporting strengths. Prior fact-checking is a big component of her process and she always scours through additional sources to ensure complete accuracy in her content.

Super Bowl XLIII, when the Steelers won the the grand prize after Santonio Holmes’ epic catch in the end zone with just seconds left on the clock is etched in Bethany’s memory forever. When she is free of her professional commitments, she likes to attend sports events and music concerts.

Know More

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Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez