The New York Giants have a new headliner under center.
Big Blue sought new blood to lead its offense out in 2025, enlisting Russell Wilson, Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston to breathe life into one of football's worst passing units in 2024.
Wilson initially emerged as the starter. But is time under center was short lived; head coach Brian Daboll announced his intention to sit Wilson on __, setting the stage for the start of Dart's tenure as starter.
Wilson is one of the most-decorated passers in NFL history. But his recent performances — in Denver, Pittsburgh and now, New York — have left something to be desired. He'll have to watch on as Dart attempts to lift the Giants out of a years-long slumber at the position.
With that, here's what you need to know about New York's decision to bench Wilson in favor of Dart.
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Why did Giants bench Russell Wilson?
Wilson's demotion comes after a string of sordid outings for the veteran signal-caller, who was largely underwhelming during his spell as starter.
Wilson struggled mightily in losses to the Commanders and Chiefs, posting passer ratings of 45.9% and 56.2%, respectively, as New York suffered decisive defeats.
He looked far more composed in New York's Week 2 contest with the Cowboys, gashing Dallas' secondary to the tune for 450 yards and three touchdowns.
Nevertheless, Wilson's display proved something of a pyrrhic victory. His showing against Kansas City was soundtracked by boos and jeers. He lost the Giants' fanbase. His job would soon follow.
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When will Jaxson Dart start for Giants?
Dart will take the reins of New York's attack in its Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers. While he has served as Wilson's understudy for much of the season, Dart has also seen the field steadily, being employed as a decoy throughout the Giants' early-season slate. He'll finally get a chance to lead Daboll's troops against the Chargers, the league's 9th-best/worst passing defense.
Giants QB depth chart
| QB | Player |
| 1 | Jaxson Dart |
| 2 | Russell Wilson |
| 3 | Jameis Wilson |
Jaxson Dart
Dart, the No. 26 pick in the 2025 draft, takes his place at the start of the Giants QB totem pole, displacing his opposite number, Wilson.
Dart enjoyed a solid career at Ole Miss, emerging as a three-year starter for the Rebels. He completed 69.3% of his passes as a senior, tallying 4,279 yards and 29 touchdowns to six interceptions during his final year at Oxford. He's not a finished article yet. But Dart has a strong arm, solid mobility and burgeoning accuracy on intermediate and long throws.
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Russell Wilson
Wilson settles into the QB2 role in New York following Dart's promotion. He is known to be a consummate professional and still is capable of producing occasional heroics. But Wilson's best years are clearly behind him. He was unremarkable during his sole season with the Steelers and did little to separate himself from Dart and Jameis Winston during his spell as starter in the Big Apple. Now, he finds himself on the sidelines. Depending on the nature of Dart's tenure, Wilson could find himself in a new jersey before long.
Jameis Winston
Rounding out New York's QB room is Winston. The former No. 1 pick was once considered an unquestioned starter. Time has proven a wretched sorceress for Winston, though, who now sits at the back of the pack in the Big Apple.
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Winston has a lively arm and appears to be a popular figure in the locker room. But he's an erratic thrower who gives the ball away often. That makes him an unenviable option as a starter.
Russell Wilson contract
- Years: One
- Value: $21 million
Wilson inked a one-year, $21 million deal with the Giants in March. The contract represents the sixth of Wilson's NFL career. A little more than half of Wilson's contract — $10.5 million — is guaranteed, making him the highest-paid of New York's quarterbacking triad.
Given Wilson's benching, it's unlikely the full value of the contract will be conveyed.