The word is out: the New York Giants will now feature Jaxson Dart under center. Giants head coach Brian Daboll announced the change Wednesday, confirming Dart will be the team’s starting quarterback for the remainder of the 2025 NFL campaign.
Daboll mentioned he spoke individually with Dart and Russell Wilson on Tuesday to communicate the alteration. While Daboll communicated that his discussions with both players would remain private, he emphasized it was his independent choice to elevate Dart.
“It’s my call,” Daboll stated. “Jaxson is our guy. We’re going to prepare him to compete this week and for the rest of the season. He’s committed to giving it his all. Russ will support him as the backup.”
“The private conversations I shared with these men will remain confidential. The specifics are private. All I can share is we are rolling with Jaxson and focused on preparing for the next game.”
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When questioned regarding the reason for the alteration, Daboll initially avoided specific details, stating it was addressed during individual conversations with each player on Tuesday.
Daboll eventually shed some light on his thinking, acknowledging Dart for demonstrating that he has earned an opportunity. Daboll took precautions to ensure expectations were realistic, recognizing the challenges for rookie quarterbacks in their first season.
Dart also addressed the media on Wednesday, expressing his readiness to take on the starting role, and his aspiration to provide a “boost” for the team. Dart mentioned that he was informed of the decision to start early on Tuesday and ensured that his parents were among the first to be notified.
Dart also discussed the contrast between being a starter and a backup. He suggested that starting quarterbacks “need to be on top of their game. End of story.”
While not completely unexpected, it is significant that Wilson will be Dart’s primary backup for the rest of the season. Considering Wilson’s experience and previous level of achievement, there was potential for the situation to become difficult if he expressed discontent about the arrangement. However, this wasn’t the case on Wednesday, as Wilson affirmed his desire to stay and assist both the Giants and Dart.
Wilson added that he retains a winning mentality and will uphold that outlook even while serving as the second-string quarterback.
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This demotion could potentially signify the conclusion of Wilson’s career as an NFL starter. The 36-year-old did not particularly shine during his 11-game stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers last year and displayed underwhelming performance in two of his three starts with the Giants. To prolong his NFL career beyond the 2025 season, Wilson may need to accept a role as a backup.
Jameis Winston, who was also acquired by the team during the offseason, will remain the Giants’ third-string quarterback, following Dart and Wilson.
There’s considerable pressure on Dart’s performance in his first year. Following a 3-14 record last season, Daboll’s position is under scrutiny, especially with the Giants starting the season at 0-3. If Dart succeeds as a rookie, it could be enough to secure Daboll’s continued employment for another season.
Otherwise, it will likely be the responsibility of the team’s next head coach to maximize Dart’s potential, as the organization views him as a potential key player for the franchise’s future.
