NFL Network star Kyle Brandt didn’t get his gig on “Good Morning Football” for cold, pessimistic football analysis. That’s not an indictment of the analyst, it’s a testament to the energy he brings. From “angry run” segments to an unparalleled enthusiasm for the sport, Brandt is beloved because, on top of his acumen, he gets fans pumped.
Conversely, it might mean something when he speaks out against a particular move.
On Tuesday, the New York Giants signed quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal with the runway to be the undisputed starting quarterback. The signing was criticized by the oft-optimistic analyst, dampening some already unsteady expectations.
“I don't wanna be the Debbie Downer here, but guys, let's not be so naive and a babe in the woods to say, ‘Wow, this is great!’" Brandt said.
“[Ex-Giants quarterback] Daniel Jones was more in demand this year in the free agency than Russell Wilson was. And he is getting paid more money than Russell Wilson is by the Colts.
“Russell Wilson is there because the Giants didn't get [Matthew] Stafford and didn't get [Aaron] Rogers. And the Giants said, ‘We gotta get somebody.’”
Wilson is coming off a year in which he started 11 regular season games, won six of his first seven starts, and threw 16 touchdowns to five interceptions. It was a meteoric start to his Pittsburgh Steelers tenure, but it ended in disaster, five straight losses (including the Wild Card Round), and a lost invitation back for the 2025 season.
“I don't want to just completely crap on this. It's a really fun, positive, optimistic viewpoint,” Brandt said.
At least on paper, Wilson’s deal – worth $10.5 million with $21 million upside through incentives – is totally acceptable. It’s hard to find a bad one-year contract in the NFL, and Wilson is an adult in the room who offers more competency than backup Jameis Winston and other (non-Aaron Rodgers) free agents.
He’s an undeniable upgrade, and allows New York to not pick a quarterback at No. 3. That inherently has value.
Ultimately, though, the Giants will enter the season with the NFC East’s worst quarterback, and – arguably – its worst supporting cast, painting a grim picture for a pivotal 2025 season.
“I've seen this movie before. … I hope it works out, but I can't stand here being like, ‘Well, I think this might work.’ I hope it does; I don't suspect it probably will.”
