Stephen A. Smith takes a neutral stance about Russell Wilson’s shocking trade to the Giants

Russell Wilson took over from new New York Jets QB Justin Fields in the middle of the season after he recovered from a preseason injury.

Stephen A. Smith takes a neutral stance about Russell Wilson’s shocking trade to the Giants

Russell Wilson, Stephen A. Smith (Images via CNN/NBC News)

The New York Giants have been struggling to find stability at the quarterback position for quite some time. The scenes played out as expected in such a situation. The Giants finished bottom of their division with just three wins throughout the season, and became the third-worst team.

Daniel Jones, who was expected to solidify himself as the franchise quarterback with a huge extension, was benched in the middle of the 2024 season. The Giants were forced to rely on backup quarterbacks like Tommy DeVito and Drew Lock, who failed to make a significant impact.

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After much discussion and heat regarding Aaron Rodgers, the New York Giants management decided not to play the waiting game anymore. They signed former Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson to bring veteran leadership and reliability under center.

Sports analyst Stephen A. Smith weighed in on the Giants’ decision to bring in Wilson, stating that he “likes” the move but does not “love” or “hate” it. Smith pointed out that even if the Giants were to select a quarterback with their No. 3 overall pick in the draft, the chances of that rookie being ready to start from Day 1 are slim.

I like it, I don’t love it, and I don’t hate it. I understand that, you know, even if you go out there and you draft a rookie with a number three overall pick, what’s the chances of him being ready opening day?… You understand why they made this move. You’ve got to have some kind of veteran at the quarterback position, somebody with the capability to lead that’s accustomed to the moment and could go out there and produce for you at least somewhat.

Stephen A. Smith noted on an episode of First Take

By acquiring Wilson, the Giants gain a reliable veteran who can keep the team competitive. In the meantime, he can also serve as a bridge quarterback should they choose to groom a young talent for the future.

It is definitely not the blockbuster move that guarantees instant success. But at the least, it provides the team with a seasoned leader capable of helping them remain competitive in a tough NFC East division.

Russell Wilson might not be the starter after all

The New York Giants had signed Jameis Winston earlier amid concerns due to Aaron Rodgers’ indecisiveness. Tommy DeVito is all there, but it is understood that Winston and Russell Wilson would take preference.

Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson (Image via Imago)

Although, Russell Wilson has one Super Bowl under his belt, he might not be the obvious choice come summer. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated recently stated in his latest article that the Giants plan to let the situation unfold, with Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston competing for the starting quarterback position.

Wilson is the likely starter. But it might be Winston. It also might wind up being the third pick. But with the backstops they’ve given themselves in Wilson and Winston, they don’t have to force a quarterback at pick No. 3.

Albert Breer wrote in his mailbag article

The Giants are known to make quick decisions. They could somehow end up going for a draft pick as they hold the third pick right now. They can go ahead to Shedeur Sanders, a name that they have been associated with for some time.

With multiple options at quarterback, the Giants have the flexibility to let the competition play out while keeping their draft strategy open. Whether they stick with Wilson or Winston or opt for a young prospect like Shedeur Sanders, the decision will have a strong impact.