Winning his first start as the quarterback of the New York Giants gave rookie Jaxson Dart the spotlight all to himself, but the 25th pick in the 2025 NFL draft hasn’t forgotten about the man he replaced, Russell Wilson.
Dart had some select words for deposed veteran Wilson after guiding the Giants to a 21-18 upset win over the previously undefeated Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4.
Speaking to the media after the game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, September 28, Dart was eager “to give a big shoutout to Russ, I know this week probably wasn’t the easiest thing but he handled it like a professional, and just was a mentor for me, so you know, obviously just have a ton of respect for him, and that goes for Jameis as well, just getting me prepared for this week,” per SNY.tv’s Giants Videos.
The reference to Wilson’s role as a mentor-type is significant. It shows how Wilson has responded to losing the starting gig after just three games.
Rather than become a distraction, the 10-time Pro Bowler quickly signalled his intent to stick around and help Dart. That speaks volumes about Wilson’s professionalism, but he also indicated he’s going to prepare to be ready to retake the reins if called upon, and the 36-year-old was very nearly needed to do just that against the Chargers, after a couple of injury scares involving Dart.
The punishment the first-year pro took already has some sounding a warning about his playing style and its implications for Dart’s immediate future. A future safeguarded, at least in the short-term, by Wilson and fellow veteran backup Jameis Winston.
Giants QBs Rallying Around Rookie Starter
It should please Giants head coach Brian Daboll that Wilson isn’t the only established signal-caller imparting knowledge to Dart. Not when Winston is also living up to his role as an experienced mentor.
Dart is going to need the help. Especially if he continues to play in a way that exposes him to more hits.
Getting the balance right is tough because Dart is a gifted runner who “had 10 carries for 54 yards and a TD. Five of those rushes produced first downs, and that doesn’t include the long scramble that was called back or the tough third-and-1 when he bounced off a big but LA was offside,” according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic.
The numbers were impressive, but Duggan sounded a note of caution. One about how Dart’s “Not going to be able to survive if he doesn’t stop running like a crash test dummy, but his ability to make plays with his legs adds a huge element to the offense.”
Daboll packaged his offense around Dart’s mobility by including plenty of read-option plays against the Chargers. One of those concepts, highlighted by Giants Nation Show, led to trouble when Dart kept the ball, but went down in a way that “looked awkward in real time,” per Duggan, who was reminded “of when Daniel Jones injured his hamstring on a similar looking play against the Bengals in 2020.”
Dart needs to learn some self-preservation techniques from Winston and Wilson. Preferably before the latter becomes the subject of more trade chatter.
Russell Wilson Trade Reports Differ
Opinions are split on whether Wilson will be dealt during the season now Dart has taken over and proved an immediate hit. Some believe the Giants aren’t prepared to move on from the Super Bowl winner, while others think there’s good reason why Big Blue actually would be open to a deal.
The reason is explained by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. They detailed how “Wilson is making $10.5 million from the Giants this year, but $8 million of that came in a signing bonus. Thus, a team trading for Wilson would assume just a portion of his $2 million base. That’s cheap enough to happen midway through the season, when wallets are tight against the salary cap.”
Rapoport and Garafolo believe “the Giants are likely to consider such a move for the right price.”
It makes some sense, but Wilson still has value. At least because he remains one of the most-gifted deep passers in the league.
The Giants will need Wilson again, even if it’s just to be a sounding board for their newest playmaker at football’s most important position.
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