Russell Wilson, the veteran quarterback for the New York Giants, is under intense pressure to maintain his starting role heading into the 2025 NFL season. Following a challenging 2024 campaign marked by ups and downs, Wilson’s 2025 starting job risk is becoming a significant topic as rookie Jaxson Dart emerges as a prominent contender for the position.

The Struggles That Put Wilson’s Starting Position in Doubt

Wilson began the 2024 season sidelined by a calf injury but managed to return and finish as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback. Despite this, his performance left much to be desired, as the team ended the season on a disappointing note. Wilson’s final five starts ended in defeat, culminating in a lopsided loss during the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/afc/”>AFC Wild Card Round.

Although he earned a Pro Bowl nod last year, analyst Alex Kay from Bleacher Report argued that the selection served more as a reflection of the general lack of quarterbacks available rather than Wilson’s excellence on the field. Wilson’s 2024 season statistics included 16 touchdowns against only five interceptions, but the Steelers’ 6-5 record over that period was marred by a four-game losing streak to close the regular season and a consequential early playoff exit.

Kay emphasized Wilson’s precarious position on July 27, placing him among the five quarterbacks most at risk of losing their starting roles in 2025.

“Wilson can’t afford a slow start due to [rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart’s] presence,”

Kay noted, underscoring the pressure Wilson faces to return to the high standard of play he maintained during his years with the Seattle Seahawks.

Jaxson Dart’s Growing Momentum as a Giant QB Prospect

Jaxson Dart, the 22-year-old rookie, has been viewed as a strong candidate to eventually supplant Wilson as the Giants’ starting quarterback. Dart showed significant promise during the early stages of Giants training camp, displaying consistent and even outstanding performances.

Despite a setback during a practice on August 2, when Dart completed just 46% of his passes and threw only one touchdown—potentially dropped by receiver Jordan Bly—Dart’s overall trajectory remains on the rise. As Ryan Novozinsky of NJ.com reported,

“The 22-year-old Giants rookie had put together a string of six rock solid — and even some great — practices in a row, but came back to Earth on Saturday, completing just 46% of his passes and tossing just one touchdown to Jordan Bly (and even that might have been dropped),”

Novozinsky wrote.

Novozinsky also stressed that Dart is not yet ready to fully compete with Wilson for the starting job. Still, it seems likely that the Giants will provide Dart with game experience in 2025, especially since first-round quarterbacks rarely remain off the field during their rookie seasons unless the team is playoff-bound.

Assessing the Giants’ Crowded Quarterback Room

The Giants’ quarterback situation is notably competitive, with Wilson facing pressure not only from Dart but also from veterans Jameis Winston and fan favorite Tommy DeVito. While the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room—with four signal-callers including two rookies—has drawn more media attention, New York’s quarterback roster is similarly crowded.

Wilson’s role is somewhat comparable to Joe Flacco’s position with the Browns last season: a short-term veteran presence until a promising rookie is ready to take the reins. While Wilson demonstrated that he can still execute deep passes effectively, his ability to read defenses has waned, and his scrambling speed has declined compared to his peak in Seattle.

Over the past three seasons, Wilson has endured 133 sacks in 41 games, including 33 sacks in just 11 games with Pittsburgh in 2024. Given the Giants’ less-than-sturdy offensive line, these numbers raise concern over Wilson’s durability, particularly since he is now 36 years old. The risk of injury increases the possibility that the Giants may have to turn to their younger quarterbacks sooner than expected.

This does not guarantee Dart will become the immediate replacement, but any injury to Wilson could accelerate that transition and heighten the uncertainty surrounding Wilson’s 2025 starting job.

What This Means for the Giants and Wilson’s Future

Russell Wilson’s 2025 starting job risk reflects a larger narrative about aging quarterbacks competing against emerging talent in today’s NFL. For the Giants, balancing Wilson’s veteran experience with Dart’s developmental potential presents a challenging dilemma.

If Wilson can rediscover the form that made him a star with the Seahawks, he could hold off his challengers and solidify his starting position. However, the combination of recent performance struggles, growing competition in the QB room, and the physical toll from frequent sacks casts considerable doubt over his ability to do so.

As the 2025 season approaches, Wilson’s performance in early games will be critical. The Giants are likely to provide Dart with opportunities if Wilson falters, especially if the team is not in strong playoff contention. This precarious situation makes the upcoming season immensely important, not just for Wilson’s place as the starter but also for the Giants’ offensive future as they navigate a crowded and uncertain quarterback landscape.