2025 NFL free agency: Russell Wilson to visit Cleveland Browns before New York Giants

A new team has entered the Russell Wilson sweepstakes. He is set to visit with the Cleveland Browns on Thursday before heading to New York to meet with the Giants on Friday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.

Wilson has been weighing his options as NFL free agency officially began Wednesday. The legal tampering period began Monday, which meant teams could start negotiating with players at Noon ET that day. Wednesday was the day teams could announce transactions.

As a result, Wilson has been searching for his new home in 2025. The expectation was he would not return to the Steelers as the franchise turned its focus toward players such as Aaron Rodgers at quarterback.

The Browns, however, are a surprising contender for his services. They traded for Kenny Pickett earlier this week, sending Dorian Thompson-Robinson back to the Philadelphia Eagles in return. Deshaun Watson is also still on the roster, although he’s recovering from an Achilles injury that cut his 2024 season short.

The sense was Cleveland would be in the market for a veteran quarterback this offseason, and names such as Kirk Cousins have come up in connection with the Browns. However, Wilson’s name is now in the mix, although the Giants are also viewed as a serious suitor.

Russell Wilson another major QB domino in free agency

Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers are seen as the last two major quarterback dominoes to fall now that free agency is officially underway. Other big names came off the board Monday and Tuesday once the negotiating window opened.

Sam Darnold was considered the biggest fish in the pond, and he – as expected – ended up in Seattle. He agreed to a three-year, $100 million deal with the Seahawks after the franchise sent Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. Then, Justin Fields agreed to a two-year, $40 million contract with the New York Jets.

That left the Giants and the Steelers as the two highest-profile teams to watch. Rumors continue to swirl about whether Rodgers will end up in Pittsburgh to take over the new-look offense. The Steelers made a splash by acquiring wide receiver DK Metcalf, who is sure to bolster the wide receiver room alongside George Pickens, and added Kenneth Gainwell at running back.

As for the Giants, they have their options. New York has the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft, and a quarterback could be in play. Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are considered the top two players at the position, although Wilson appears to be an option in free agency, as well.