If striking out in Denver and Pittsburgh dented Russell Wilson’s confidence, he is not showing it.
The self-styled ‘Mr Unlimited’ has a seemingly endless supply of belief in his own ability.
That could be exactly what the New York Giants need under center after signing Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency.
Winston — famous for his all-action pre-game speeches — is not short on confidence himself and will aim to compete for the starting job after signing a two-year deal worth $8 million.
But after arriving on a one-year contract worth $21 million, Wilson is adamant that he is not moving to New Jersey to warm the bench.
“Yeah, I expect to be the starter and come in here and be ready to rock and roll every day,” said the Super-Bowl winning QB during his introductory news conference.
“I think this team’s really looking for somebody to lead them in every way.”
Wilson started 11 games for the Steelers last season after recovering from injury and taking the job from Justin Fields.
He went 6-5 but lost his on his last five outings in black and gold, including a wild-card round defeat to the Baltimore Ravens.
The 36-year-old was open to returning but Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin appears to be all-in on Aaron Rodgers, who is yet to agree a deal after visiting with the team.
“Aaron Rodgers is a tremendous football player,” Wilson added. “He’s done some amazing things in this league.
“I’ve been fortunate to be able to do some great things, too. And really what I’m focused on is right now and what we can do here.
“That’s been my focus since I’ve signed and everything else. And also, too, along the way is finding a place that continues to believe in you.”
Wilson is guaranteed $10.5 million and will not earn his full salary unless the Giants go 17-0, per Ian Rapoport.
His deal includes $7.5 million based on incentives. Another $3 million is paid out at $176,500 per game — based on wins and taking at least 50 percent of the snaps.
That makes it extremely easy for New York to move on and the former Seattle Seahawk could yet see more competition join him in the QB room via April’s NFL Draft.
The Giants hold the No.3 pick and could target Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders at the top of the board or move down and take a punt on a raw talent like Jalen Milroe.
Owner John Mara says finding a future franchise QB is the ‘No. 1 issue’ for the team this season.
NFL’s Greatest……
Ranking the top 10……
Quarterbacks of all-time – Can anyone better Tom Brady?
Wide receivers of all-time – Does Randy Moss or Jerry Rice come out on top?
Running backs of all-time – Stacking Jim Brown, Barrie Sanders, Walter Payton, Emmett Smith and more
Tight ends of all-time – How does Travis Kelce compare?
Wilson won the starting job over Matt Flynn in Seattle as a third-round rookie despite the latter signing a three-year, $19.5 million deal in free agency.
He was asked how he would handle a similar battle.
“If we draft a quarterback, we will make sure that he does everything he can to be ready to go and be prepared with his mentality,” Wilson said.
“But for me, it’s about the process of winning. I’m focused on winning, what I can do as a quarterback of the New York Giants to help us win and to do everything that we can to lead.
“I think the first thing is you always handle yourself first. You always get yourself prepared at the highest level and control what you can control.
“And part of that is doing everything I can to be my best every day. And then from there, from leading in that sense, everybody else grows with you from that.
“They learn from you, they see how you work, they see your practice habits, they see your mental habits and how you go about it. Your approach every day.
“And so I’m excited about the opportunity to continue to lead, not just the quarterback room, but really the locker room in every way.”
Wilson is excited at the chance to link up with Malik Nabers, who racked up 109 catches and 1,204 yards as a rookie despite sub-par QB play.
“He’s an explosive athlete,” the veteran added. “Just his ability to make plays. I love Malik, man.”
Stay up to date with the latest from across the NFL via our talkSPORT Facebook page, and subscribe to our Endzone YouTube channel for news, view and exclusive interviews as we build up to the NFL Draft in April
