Sportsnaut
While explaining why he signed with the New York Giants, Russell Wilson may have accidentally suggested new top target Malik Nabers is better than former and current Pittsburgh Steelers players George Pickens and DK Metcalf.
The Giants are hoping that future Hall of Famer Russell Wilson can help the team do something they haven’t been able to over the last two seasons. Get back to the playoffs. His decision to go to New York surprised some since he chose to leave a good Steelers team for a franchise that was one of the worst in the league last season. However, during an appearance at Fanatics Fest last week, he offered up an interesting reason for why he chose Gotham over the Steel City.
Related: Russell Wilson discussed joining another team before signing New York Giants contract
Nabers had a big season in his rookie year for Big Blue. The LSU star earned Pro Bowl honors in his inaugural campaign as he posted 109 catches, 1,204 yards, and seven touchdowns while taking passes from four different quarterbacks last season. So there is no doubt he has immense upside.
However, in complimenting Nabers, he took a bit of a shot at the receivers he worked with previously in Pittsburgh. Or could have partnered with next season. George Pickens was Wilson’s top receiver last year. Obviously, he must not have been special in the former Seahawks star’s mind since a return to Pittsburgh wasn’t a higher priority this offseason. But the Steelers trading Pickens to Dallas this spring backs up Wilson’s view.
However, Wilson signed with the Giants late in March. Two weeks before, the Steelers traded for Wilson’s former Seattle teammate, DK Metcalf. A receiver he is familiar with, who has two Pro Bowls and three 1,000+ yards seasons on his resume. Interestingly, the move did not sway Wilson more to return to Pittsburgh this offseason.
It remains to be seen if Nabers is better than Metcalf. And at this point in their careers, the latter has more of a resume. But Wilson’s comment is intriguing. And is a better compliment for the New York Giants receiver than it seems at first glance.
Related: New York Giants should target these free agent wide receivers before training camp
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