Since Jaxson Dart was selected in the first round by the New York Giants, the organization has consistently stated that Russell Wilson remains the Week 1 starter. Fans, however, have expressed eagerness to see Dart play, though the team’s leadership has insisted the rookie will not take snaps in 2025. This ongoing debate about the Giants’ quarterback situation surrounds the focus on the Russell Wilson Giants Week 1 starter designation.
The arrival of a new first-round quarterback usually sparks hope among fans, but Dart was widely viewed by experts as a player needing time to adjust to the NFL’s speed and complexity. Giants general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll have echoed that sentiment, maintaining that Wilson will start while Dart learns.
Nonetheless, former NFL quarterback and analyst Mark Schlereth challenges that approach, boldly insisting the Giants should name Dart as their starting quarterback from the outset, rather than sitting him out the season.
“The Giants should cut Russell Wilson and start Jaxson Dart,” he said on Breakfast Ball on FS1. “You start your rookie and you go with the growing pains and you understand that you’re not going to the playoffs right now.
Schlereth emphasized the importance of having a strong defense to support a young quarterback during his transition, suggesting it’s time for the Giants to fully commit to Dart as their future leader.
“You do have a great defense, which is one of the best things you can give a young quarterback. I think it’s just time to rip off the Band-Aid and say, ‘Jaxson Dart, you’re our guy.'”
During minicamps, Dart has mainly taken reps with the second-team offense, trailing behind Wilson and Jameis Winston on the Giants’ depth chart. His initial practice reps were with the third team, highlighting his current developmental position within the squad.
Giants’ Leadership Maintains Confidence in Russell Wilson as Starter
While Schlereth advocates for Dart, the Giants’ management continues to back Wilson for the starting role. Head coach Brian Daboll publicly confirmed that Wilson would hold the Week 1 starting quarterback job, a stance later reiterated by Joe Schoen during a SiriusXM NFL Radio interview.
“Daboll came out and said, Russell is the starter, and we’ve been through this. Jaxson’s going to come in, and he’s got to learn the offense. There’s a lot to learn,” Joe Schoen said.
Wilson joined the Giants on a one-year contract, and Winston is signed for two years, though neither veteran is viewed as a permanent solution for the franchise. This signals an ongoing search for a long-term franchise quarterback, fueling the discussion about when Dart might eventually take over.
The Path Forward: Balancing Development and Immediate Performance
The debate about whether to start Wilson or Dart reflects broader challenges the Giants face in balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term planning. Schlereth’s push to start Dart immediately recognizes the inevitable growing pains but prioritizes experience and development over instant success. Meanwhile, Schoen and Daboll’s approach underscores patience and readiness, ensuring Dart fully grasps the offense before stepping onto the field.
With a strong defensive unit behind the offense, the Giants have some cushion to support a rookie quarterback’s learning curve. How the team ultimately decides could shape its trajectory for the season and beyond, influencing roster decisions, fan expectations, and playoff hopes.