Russell Wilson’s NFL journey continues to zigzag, with the veteran quarterback entering his fourth team in five seasons. After signing a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the New York Giants this offseason, Wilson spent the 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a veteran minimum deal.
The Giants, meanwhile, have charted a cautious course around the 2025 draft class. They selected Jaxson Dart with the No. 25 overall pick, hoping the young signal-caller can develop into a long-term starter. Head coach Brian Daboll has publicly backed Wilson as the team’s starting quarterback, but the preseason has sparked chatter about a possible future at the position.
Analysts have floated the idea that New York could pivot to Dart sooner than later. One predictor suggested the Giants could move on from Wilson by Week 5 if early-season results don’t meet expectations, noting how the franchise previously balanced a veteran with a high draft pick in similar fashion. Dart’s preseason play, including the ability to push the ball downfield and operate with strong pocket awareness, has fed that narrative, though Daboll has stressed Wilson’s role as the starter for now.
The debate isn’t just about who starts Week 1. It touches the Giants’ longer-term plan and how quickly they’re willing to accelerate the rebuild around a first-round quarterback. If Dart continues to show progress, the conversation could intensify about giving him more meaningful reps sooner rather than later. That dynamic mirrors past transitions in the league, where a quarterback who begins as a bridge can quickly become the franchise’s face.
There’s also a financial and strategic angle to consider. The Broncos absorbed an $85 million dead-cap hit when they moved on from Wilson, a reminder of how costly quarterback transitions can be. New York has already guaranteed $10 million to Wilson, which could factor into any midseason decisions about his role or potential release. Some pundits have urged the Giants to cut Wilson to accelerate the Dart timeline, while others emphasize the value a veteran presence and leadership can bring as an incoming rookie learns the system.
Overall, Wilson’s trajectory with the Broncos and now the Giants underscores a broader NFL theme: the importance of timing in quarterback development and the delicate balance between immediate results and long-range plans. If the Giants stay the course with Wilson through the start of the season, Dart’s growth could be the catalyst that defines New York’s quarterback future—potentially leading to a smooth transition or a swift adjustment if the timetable shifts.
What to watch
– Early-season performance: Will Wilson hold the starting job through the first stretch, or will Dart gain ground with solid play?
– Dart’s development: How quickly does he absorb the offense and demonstrate the decision-making and accuracy needed to lead an NFL team?
– Financial implications: How will the remaining guarantees and potential cap impacts influence any midseason decision?
– The Giants’ scheduling and opponent difficulty: A tough early slate could accelerate the transition discussion.
Summary of potential outcomes
– If Wilson thrives, Dart remains in development and New York builds around the veteran’s leadership.
– If Dart impresses consistently, the Giants could accelerate a transition, balancing football viability with financial prudence.
A hopeful note: for Giants fans, the situation could culminate in a well-managed bridge-to-Dart plan that yields a confident, capable quarterback in the near future, while Wilson provides veteran stability in the interim. For Wilson, another chance to prove he can adapt and lead a team through a high-stakes season remains on the table.