The New York Giants continue to navigate a quarterback dilemma that has troubled the franchise since Eli Manning’s retirement. Entering the 2025 league year, the team’s QB room was nearly empty except for rookie Tommy DeVito, but the Giants made key moves by bringing in veteran Russell Wilson and drafting promising rookie Jaxson Dart. The unfolding Russell Wilson Giants QB debate centers on whether the team should rely on Wilson’s experience or embrace youth by starting Dart during the upcoming season.
Shifting Quarterback Landscape: Wilson, Winston, and Dart
Russell Wilson agreed to a one-year contract worth $10.5 million on March 26, marking a significant veteran addition to the Giants. Shortly afterward, the team signed Jameis Winston to a two-year, $8 million deal, likely as a backup option. The most notable transaction involved the Giants giving up three Day 2 draft picks to move back into the first round and select Jaxson Dart with the 25th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, signifying their investment in a young quarterback’s potential.
Despite this, Wilson was still considered the clear starter heading into spring camps, according to Giants head coach Brian Daboll. However, some analysts argue that a franchise undergoing a rebuild should prioritize developing Dart rather than continuing with Wilson, who is perceived by some as nearing the end of his prime.
Experienced Voices Advocate for Trusting Jaxson Dart
Mike Tannenbaum, former New York Jets general manager during one of their most competitive eras, favors the approach of starting the rookie immediately. Reflecting on his successful tenure that included consecutive AFC Championship appearances and a notable playoff victory over Tom Brady, Tannenbaum draws parallels with Mark Sanchez’s early career, when he was thrust into the starting role as a rookie quarterback.
“If it was up to me, Jaxson Dart would’ve started three weeks ago. From day one, rep one, start one. … Wouldn’t you rather win five games with Jaxson Dart being ascending, than win six with a moribund Russell Wilson who’s at the end? Wouldn’t you want to have hope?” —Mike Tannenbaum, Former Jets General Manager
“When we had Mark Sanchez with the Jets, from day one, we put him in. We ran the ball, we played good defense, we had some good breaks, we got to the AFC Championship Game. If I’m the Giants, this is all about Jaxson Dart, so why not just throw him in and let him go?” —Mike Tannenbaum, Former Jets General Manager
Balanced Perspectives on Rookie Development and Team Strategy
While Tannenbaum supports immediate integration of Dart, ESPN host Molly Qerim, a Giants fan, voices caution about rushing young quarterbacks into starting roles prematurely. She highlights the risk of stunting a rookie’s career by exposing them too early to the NFL’s demands, which could derail long-term development and the team’s draft strategy.
For many observers, a middle path appears most logical—allow Dart time to learn from Wilson’s experience before taking over as the starter. Wilson is expected to begin the 2025 season as the starting quarterback, but the expectation is that Dart may assume that position later in the season to gain practical NFL experience and demonstrate his capabilities.
Implications for the Giants’ Future Quarterback Direction
The decision over when to transition from Wilson to Dart carries significant weight for the Giants’ rebuilding process. Opting for Dart too soon could risk early struggles, but it also offers the chance to build around a young and ascending talent who might become the face of the franchise. Meanwhile, relying on Wilson’s veteran presence provides short-term stability but may limit progress if the team remains competitive yet plateaued.
The progression of the Russell Wilson Giants QB debate will be closely watched throughout training camp and into the season, as fans and analysts alike look for signs of who will ultimately lead the Giants’ offense into the future.