Things haven’t only changed for Russell Wilson after the New York Giants turned to 2025 NFL draft first-round pick Jaxson Dart as their starting quarterback. Another veteran backup, Jameis Winson, is also seeing the differences and playing a new role in response.
Winston has been the in-case-of-emergencies-only QB through the first three games of this season, but the 31-year-old is taking on a more important responsibility. One involving the game readiness of the rookie well ahead of him on the depth chart.
Former No. 1 overall pick “Winston already gets plenty of praise for being a great teammate, he’s lived up to that reputation here, spending hours with Dart and running through scripts over and over after practice until the rookie had them down cold,” according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
Putting in the time to help Dart will not only further endear Winston to the Giants. It will also provide another experienced voice to inform a change at football’s most important position under-pressure head coach Brian Daboll has bet his immediate future on being a success.
Jameis Winston Reminding Giants of Value
Winston was the first newcomer when the Giants overhauled their quarterback room this offseason. He looked like a viable starter after some heroics off the bench for the Cleveland Browns in 2024, but the Giants signing Wilson soon left Winston in a state of flux.
His forgotten status has been underlined by a regular place on the inactives list early in this campaign, but Winston still has value. Specifically, new value as a signal-caller who knows what it’s like to be thrown into the fire as a first-round pick, but also somebody who knows what’s required to succeed after being called up from the bench.
Winston did the latter during stops with both the Browns and New Orleans Saints. Now, he’s ensuring Dart is primed to make an immediate impact.
Jaxson Dart Getting Plenty of Help from Giants Quarterbacks
It’s not just Winston imparting knowledge to Dart. Wilson is also in “mentor” mode, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.
That’s more good news for Dart, who can expect to get plenty of additional help from Daboll’s schemes. Those concepts will mean “a lot of RPOs and up-tempo,” per Dan Duggan of The Athletic, who also thinks you should “expect a lot more QB runs.”
Duggan referenced a touchdown throw from Dart to tight end Greg Dulcich in preseason as a template for what Big Blue’s new offense will look like. It’s likely this run-pass option against the New York Jets, highlighted by Talkin’ Giants.
This is the kind of packaged play Daboll used to help Josh Allen become a Pro Bowler with the Buffalo Bills. Allen is the reference point for Dart, as a big-bodied running and throwing playmaker.
Not being able to replicate his success with Allen is the main reason Daboll’s tenure with the Giants hasn’t gone to plan. He’s pinning a lot of hopes on Dart’s versatility and raw athleticism finally providing the elusive formula for success.
It won’t be easy against the Los Angeles Chargers and their tough defense in Week 4, but Winston and Wilson, who have seen it all from NFL defenses, can at least make sure Dart is adequately prepared.
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