Giants Sticking With Veteran Russell Wilson Over Rookie Jaxson Dart
Sep 9, 2025, 4:59 PM | Updated: Sep 10, 2025, 11:30 am
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 07: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants looks on prior to a game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – The New York Giants‘ offensive struggles and the limitations presented by the current form of Russell Wilson led many to question if the debut of rookie Jaxson Dart is on the horizon after a punchless loss to the Washington Commanders.
Head coach Brian Daboll didn’t point the finger at his starter, but didn’t exactly overflow with confidence heading into a week two matchup with the Dallas Cowboys.
“It was an emotional game, (a) tough game, Daboll said. “(We) didn’t play particularly well, (so) in terms of making any of those decisions, really at any position or schematic changes, I’d like to do it with a clear head and watch the tape. Like I said yesterday, that game just doesn’t fall on Russell Wilson. We got to do a better job collectively, coaching, playing, but Russ will be the starter.”
Darius Slayton with his thoughts on Jaxson Dart, Russell Wilson, and the Giants' QB situation:
"That's the natural thing these days in the sport of football, which is unfortunate…everybody wants 'new' as soon as they think things aren't going well.
The reality is, things take… pic.twitter.com/yhOrujDo2A
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) September 8, 2025
The 10-time Pro Bowler and 2014 Super Bowl Champion with the Seattle Seahawks is at a crossroads in his career after underwhelming stops in Denver (2022-23) and Pittsburgh in 2024.
Wilson submitted a box score dud in a 21-6 loss..
He completed 17 of 37 attempts for 168 yards and no touchdowns, and was consistently under pressure due to his reduced athleticism and propensity to hold onto the football a little too long.
No longer possessing the ability to escape tight situations in the pocket, a frustrated fan base questions if the future is now in Big Blue.
Dart excels in preseason backup role
Jaxson Dart is a late first-round pick who entered training camp behind Super Bowl champ Russell Wilson and 2015 No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston.
It was expected that the former Ole Miss QB would need a redshirt-style season to learn behind two veteran quarterbacks.
Jaxson Dart shined in his rookie preseason 👀
How we feeling, Giants fans? pic.twitter.com/GokyldY2Ax
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) August 22, 2025
Instead, he showed composure and command of the offense in his preseason appearances.
Dart completed 32-of-47 passes (68.1 percent) for 372 yards and three touchdowns, but more importantly, the rookie signal-caller did not commit a turnover in his first test against NFL defenses.
He entered the regular season as QB2 on the Giants’ depth chart.
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About Jaxson Dart
Dart was born in Kaysville, Utah, where he eventually attended Roy High School. He transferred to Corner Canyon before his senior season.
In 2020 with the Chargers, Dart threw for 4,691 yards and a state-record 67 touchdowns. As a four-star prospect, he committed to USC.
He played just six games with the Trojans, where he completed 117 of his 189 pass attempts for 1,353 yards, nine touchdowns, and five interceptions. On the ground, Dart ran the ball 22 times for 43 yards and two touchdowns.
Dart packed his bags and traded Los Angeles sunshine for the college football haven that is the SEC and Ole Miss.
#LocalsInTheNFL Week 1 Recap: Top Performances And Weekly Roundup
Jon Gruden:
"Yesterday is the perfect indication to move on. It's time to give Jaxson Dart the ball." pic.twitter.com/8LdjUNqYw3
— Big Blue Film Room (@BigBlueFilmRoom) September 8, 2025
He closed out his collegiate career playing in 39 games for the Rebels with 38 starts. He completed 735 of his 1118 attempts for 10,617 yards and 72 touchdowns.
Ole Miss went 28-10 with Dart at the helm, including a Peach Bowl win in 2024 and a Gator Bowl win in 2025.
Dart’s college accolades include Gator Bowl MVP, 2024 Conerly Trophy Winner, 2024 All-America Honorable Mention, 2024 All-SEC First Team, 2024 CFN SEC QB of the Year, 2024 Manning Award Finalist, and 2024 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Finalist.
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