by The NFL season is a marathon of excitement, but as the calendar flips closer to November, the real drama often shifts from the field to the front office. The 2025 trade deadline is set for November 4th, and according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the hottest name being floated is a surprising one: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson. After a high-profile benching in favor of rookie Jaxson Dart, the veteran signal-caller is suddenly expected to emerge as a prime Russell Wilson trade deadline target for QB-needy teams across the league.
The buzz generated on NFL GameDay Kickoff and subsequent reports has launched one of the most intriguing trade narratives of the season. Here’s a deep dive into why Wilson is available, the teams most likely to execute a trade, and the financial factors that make a Russell Wilson trade deadline move entirely feasible.
The Shocking Benching: How Russell Wilson Became Available
Russell Wilson’s tenure with the New York Giants began with high hopes but quickly soured. After three winless starts in which the 36-year-old completed only 59.1% of his passes, the Giants organization made the bold move to bench the 10-time Pro Bowler. Head Coach Brian Daboll announced that rookie Jaxson Dart, the team’s first-round pick, would take over the starting duties.
This decision instantly transformed Wilson from a struggling starter into an elite backup and, more importantly, a premier trade chip. The Giants, having committed to a full rebuild around Dart, now have the flexibility to move Wilson, especially with veteran Jameis Winston currently serving as the third-string option. Despite his demotion, Wilson has maintained a highly professional stance, stating he won’t request a trade and is committed to mentoring Dart. However, the business of the NFL is dictated by opportunity, and the possibility of a Russell Wilson trade deadline deal is simply too enticing for many teams to ignore.
The Financial Catalyst: Why Teams Can Afford Russell Wilson
A key factor making a Russell Wilson trade deadline move feasible is the economics of his contract. After his release from the Denver Broncos, who absorbed a record-setting $85 million dead cap hit, Wilson signed a highly team-friendly one-year contract with the Giants for a base value of just $10.5 million.
Crucially for potential suitors, NFL Media reports indicate that a team acquiring Wilson would only have to take on a manageable portion of his remaining salary—estimated to be around $2 million of the base value. This inexpensive price tag is in stark contrast to other veteran quarterbacks potentially on the market, like Kirk Cousins in Atlanta, who carries a much larger financial commitment. This salary situation makes acquiring Russell Wilson at the Russell Wilson trade deadline a low-risk, high-reward proposition for a team in contention. The minimal financial burden makes the Russell Wilson trade deadline the perfect window to upgrade at QB.
The Suitors: Which Teams Need a Quarterback by the Deadline?
Quarterback injuries and poor play have already plagued several teams with playoff aspirations, making the impending Russell Wilson trade deadline a critical moment. NFL GameDay Kickoff has been buzzing with speculation on potential landing spots.
Cincinnati Bengals: The Most Obvious Fit
The Bengals immediately jumped to the top of the list after franchise QB Joe Burrow was sidelined with turf toe, expected to miss action until at least Week 15. The Bengals’ offense struggled significantly in their first game without Burrow. Acquiring Wilson before the Russell Wilson trade deadline would provide a proven, experienced leader to stabilize the team and keep their Super Bowl hopes alive while Burrow recovers. Wilson’s Super Bowl pedigree could be the exact jolt the Bengals need to navigate a tough AFC schedule.
New Orleans Saints: Searching for Stability
The Saints are currently winless, but their defense remains formidable, and they still have a talented roster. While second-year QB Spencer Rattler has shown flashes, the Saints could view a Russell Wilson trade deadline acquisition as a move to stabilize their young quarterback room and add a veteran presence capable of winning now. The Saints are a team consistently trying to compete, and adding Russell Wilson at the Russell Wilson trade deadline might be their desperation play.
The Mystery Contender
History has proven that the best trade windows often open due to unforeseen injuries. The most likely scenario for a Russell Wilson trade deadline deal is a playoff contender suffering a late-season injury to their starting QB in the next few weeks. A team with a Super Bowl window that suddenly finds itself quarterback-less would undoubtedly see the opportunity to acquire Russell Wilson at the Russell Wilson trade deadline as a lifeline. Any team needing a reliable, veteran presence to make a playoff run will be keeping a very close eye on the approach of the Russell Wilson trade deadline.
Russell Wilson’s Mindset and the Trade Dynamics
Despite his public commitment to the Giants, the allure of playing again—and specifically starting again—before the Russell Wilson trade deadline is likely a powerful motivator for the hyper-competitive quarterback. Wilson’s defiant statement that he’s “not done” playing and his belief in his own ability suggest he will be eager to move if a clear starting role emerges.
For the Giants, a successful Russell Wilson trade deadline deal would allow them to recoup some draft capital in return for a player they now consider expendable, thereby accelerating their rebuild. The team has the depth at QB with Jameis Winston to comfortably execute a Russell Wilson trade deadline move without damaging their backup situation.
This scenario represents a rare, perfect alignment of motives:
- Giants: Acquire draft picks for a benched player.
- Wilson: Get a fresh start and a new chance to start before the Russell Wilson trade deadline.
- Acquiring Team: Gain a veteran, Super Bowl-winning QB for a manageable salary and low draft capital cost.
Looking Ahead to November 4th
The 2025 NFL trade deadline is set for 4:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 4th. The weeks leading up to that date will be filled with intense back-channel negotiations. All signs point to Russell Wilson being the most impactful player to move, and the insider buzz from shows like NFL GameDay Kickoff suggests the situation is heating up quickly.
Will it be the Bengals, the Saints, or a completely unexpected contender that pulls the trigger? Only time will tell, but the final destination of Russell Wilson at the Russell Wilson trade deadline will undoubtedly shift the balance of power in the NFL. Keep your eyes on the NFL Network for the latest updates as the Russell Wilson trade deadline approaches. The veteran quarterback is poised to be one of the biggest stories of the NFL season. The likelihood of a Russell Wilson trade deadline deal increases with every day. The drama surrounding the Russell Wilson trade deadline is just getting started, and the future of Russell Wilson at the Russell Wilson trade deadline remains the top story. Fans are waiting to see which team takes advantage of the Russell Wilson trade deadline opportunity.
