Former 49ers’ Foe Joins 3rd Team in 3 Years, Shaking Up the League
The NFL offseason continues to bring surprises as former San Francisco 49ers rival Russell Wilson is set to join his third team in as many years. The veteran quarterback has agreed to a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the New York Giants, with incentives that could push the deal up to $21 million. This move marks another chapter in Wilson’s career, following his disappointing tenure with the Denver Broncos and a short stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Wilson’s arrival in New York is expected to shake up the NFC East, as he brings experience and leadership to a Giants team that struggled last season. The 35-year-old quarterback, best known for his time with the Seattle Seahawks, has a history of facing the 49ers in key matchups, particularly during the heated NFC West battles of the 2010s. Now, he will have another opportunity to take on San Francisco when the Giants host the 49ers at MetLife Stadium during the upcoming season.
While Wilson’s move dominates the headlines, it isn’t the only notable transaction involving a former 49ers opponent. The Seattle Seahawks have signed veteran tight end Eric Saubert, who played for San Francisco during the 2024 season. Saubert appeared in all 17 games last year, starting three, and played a crucial role on special teams. Over the course of his career, he has suited up for multiple teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys, and Houston Texans. Now with Seattle, Saubert will add depth to the tight end room, complementing star player Noah Fant.
In another key roster move, former 49ers cornerback Nick McCloud has signed with the Chicago Bears. McCloud, who has accumulated 96 tackles and three tackles for loss in his NFL career, adds valuable depth to the Bears’ secondary. Chicago, looking to bolster its defensive backfield, views McCloud as a versatile piece who can contribute both as a cornerback and on special teams.
These signings highlight the ever-evolving nature of the NFL, where players frequently change teams in search of better opportunities. Wilson, in particular, has experienced a whirlwind few years. After spending a decade as the face of the Seahawks franchise and leading them to a Super Bowl victory, his time in Denver did not go as planned. The Broncos struggled under his leadership, leading to his release and subsequent move to Pittsburgh, where he played a backup role. Now, with the Giants, he has a fresh start and a chance to revitalize his career.
For the 49ers, these moves serve as a reminder of the talent and competition they will continue to face in the league. San Francisco has been a powerhouse in the NFC in recent years, making multiple deep playoff runs. However, with key rivals like Wilson landing in new places and familiar faces such as Saubert and McCloud finding new homes, the landscape of the NFL remains unpredictable.
As teams finalize their rosters and prepare for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on these former 49ers opponents and how they perform with their new teams. Whether Wilson can lead the Giants to success, Saubert can make an impact in Seattle, or McCloud can solidify his role in Chicago, remains to be seen. One thing is certain—NFL fans are in for another exciting season.