Russell Wilson, quarterback for the New York Giants, will likely compete for the starting role when the team faces the Washington Commanders in Week 1.
The Giants have a challenging start to their 2025 season, facing the Commanders, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, and Los Angeles Chargers in the opening four weeks.
According to Dan Duggan of The Athletic, Wilson must secure victories against these tough opponents to avoid being replaced by rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Duggan writes, “The Giants’ management has consistently stated since the draft that Wilson is their clear starting quarterback, with the intention for Dart to develop quietly behind the scenes. This situation resembles 2019 when Eli Manning was expected to start while Daniel Jones waited, only for Jones to take over after a rough 0-2 start.”
“While Manning, a franchise icon, had more leeway than Wilson—who’s now on his fourth team in five years—a slow start against this tough schedule could quickly lead to Dart taking over, especially after Dart impressed during the preseason.”
The pressure isn’t just on Wilson. Head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen also need to prove to ownership that the Giants’ future is promising, after two disappointing seasons with just nine wins combined.
If Wilson struggles to keep the team in playoff contention, Daboll might give Dart a chance to showcase the team’s potential with the rookie leading.
Duggan suggests that Week 5 could be the ideal time to give Dart an opportunity, as the Giants face a rebuilding New Orleans Saints team under first-year head coach Kellen Moore. The Saints are also uncertain at quarterback, with Moore naming second-year Spencer Rattler as the starter but rookie Tyler Shough waiting in the wings.
