In a surprising turn of events, Russell Wilson has taken the title of the lowest paid starting quarterback on a non-rookie contract, following his recent agreement with the New York Giants. Previously, this distinction belonged to Justin Fields, the current quarterback for the New York Jets and a former teammate of Wilson, who was earning $20 million per year.
Wilson's new contract features a guaranteed amount of only $10.5 million for the year 2025. According to Ian Rapoport from NFL Media, the remaining $10.5 million in his contract is tied to a "complicated" incentive package. This package includes potential earnings of up to $7.5 million based on various factors such as playing time, performance, and playoff achievements.
Additionally, Wilson has the opportunity to earn another $3 million through a performance-based incentive that pays $176,500 for each game he plays, contingent on achieving wins and participating in at least 50 percent of the snaps. This structure suggests that Wilson's maximum earning potential of $21 million for the year 2025 can only be realized if the Giants manage an undefeated season of 17-0.
As the season progresses, there remains uncertainty regarding how much Russell Wilson will earn in the current year. While he is guaranteed to receive $10.5 million, the remainder of his earnings will depend on his performance and the team's success. This situation raises questions about whether he will be able to capitalize on the incentive-based portions of his contract.
In conclusion, as Wilson embarks on this new chapter with the Giants, all eyes will be on how his performance influences his earnings and whether he can defy the odds to achieve the maximum potential payout outlined in his contract.