Russ swaps agents, ‘not blinking’ on NFL career

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson said Monday that he fully intends to play next season. In preparation for free agency, he also recently switched to Athletes First super-agent David Mulugheta, according to NFLPA records.

Wilson had worked with longtime agent Mark Rodgers since entering the league in 2012. He is set to become a free agent in March.

Mulugheta represents several high-profile pass-throwers including Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson, the Houston Texans’ C.J. Stroud and the New York Jets’ Justin Fields, among a host of other top players around the league.

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The 37-year-old Wilson said this week that he couldn’t envision any scenario that he didn’t play despite a career-low three starts and spending a majority of the season as the Giants third-string quarterback.

«Yeah, I’m not blinking,» Wilson said on Monday. «I know what I’m capable of. I think I showed that in Dallas. I want to do that again and just be ready to rock and roll and be as healthy as possible and be able to play ball.»

Wilson’s final stat line was 69-of-119 passing for 831 yards with three touchdown passes and three interceptions. New York lost all three games with him as the starter.

Out of nowhere, Wilson mentioned this week while teammates were cleaning out their lockers that his performance was hampered by a hamstring injury suffered before the Week 2 game against the Cowboys in which he threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns.

«I played that game…I tore my hamstring on Friday in practice, the last play of practice,» Wilson said. «I had a Grade 2. I couldn’t tell anybody. I had to go and play on it. Just because I knew the circumstances. I had to play on it no matter what. I ended up going to the Dallas Mavericks facility, training, and kept it quiet. Tried to get treatment. Just knowing I probably couldn’t run from the goal line to the 10-yard line if I wanted to. Just felt I had to play this game.»

Wilson said he’s 100% now and is willing to bet on himself. He insists there is plenty left in his body and can still throw the ball 70-plus yards and run around and make plays. The work and grind also remain enjoyable, he said.

Jaxson Dart as the starter with Jameis Winston his backup next season. Winston is signed through the 2026 season.

So Wilson will look for another opportunity elsewhere while remaining in New York. It appears to be the new home for him and pop star wife, Ciara.

«We plan on being around New York. We’re actually probably going to move here full time. Be around here. Our kids are getting old enough,» Wilson said. «Wherever football takes me, we’ll do that. But just for the long term we want to be here and impact this community. We love it here. We love the New Jersey area, the New York area. All the surrounding areas around it too. It’s been fun.»

Wilson and Ciara’s «Why Not You Foundation» has been active in the community in the New York metropolitan area. Just last month they gave a $3 million philanthropic gift to Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital where they have been constant visitors.