The New York Giants made headlines when they signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to lead their offense in 2025. On paper, it seemed like a solid move—Wilson brings experience, leadership, and a Super Bowl ring to the table. But as ESPN’s Dan Graziano points out in a recent article, Wilson’s position as the starter might not last long if things don’t go as planned.
Graziano uses an intriguing word to describe what could happen: “temptation.” The temptation, in this case, is the allure of giving rookie Jaxson Dart a chance to shine early in the season. While the Giants have veteran options like Wilson and Jameis Winston to lean on, the reality is that rookies often get thrown into the mix faster than teams initially plan.
Why Jaxson Dart Represents the Future for the Giants?
Let’s face it—Jaxson Dart is the future of the franchise. The Giants drafted him with the intention of grooming him into their next franchise quarterback. While Wilson and Winston were brought in to provide stability and mentorship, the team knows that Dart is the only path to a brighter tomorrow.
As Graziano notes, the Giants’ situation mirrors what happened with the Patriots last season. They started the year with Jacoby Brissett under center, but after a string of losses, rookie Drake Maye was thrust into the starting role by Week 6. Unless the Giants are scoring points and winning games at a surprising rate early on, it’s hard to imagine them resisting the urge to see what Dart can do.
Russell Wilson’s Struggles Cast Doubt on His Longevity in New York
Russell Wilson’s time in Pittsburgh last season didn’t exactly inspire confidence. He struggled to recapture the magic that once made him one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. Meanwhile, Jameis Winston, who played for the Browns in 2024, was arguably the more productive passer between the two veterans.
While Wilson’s experience is valuable, his declining performance raises questions about how long he can hold off Dart. If the Giants find themselves out of playoff contention midway through the season, it’s not hard to imagine them turning to the rookie as a way to build for the future.
A Mentorship Plan That Can’t Last Forever
The Giants likely plan to keep Wilson and Winston around to mentor Dart, at least in the short term. Having veteran quarterbacks in the locker room can be invaluable for a young player still learning the ropes of the NFL. However, there comes a point where mentorship takes a backseat to development.
If Dart shows he’s ready to take the reins, the Giants can’t afford to hold him back. The organization needs to prioritize its long-term success over clinging to a fading veteran like Wilson. Fans should expect the transition to happen sooner rather than later if the team starts faltering early in the season.
The Inevitable Shift: When Will Dart Take Over?
It’s not a matter of if Jaxson Dart will start for the Giants—it’s a matter of when. If the Giants stumble out of the gate, the calls for Dart to replace Wilson will grow louder with each loss. Graziano’s prediction feels spot-on: teams rarely stick to their “sit the rookie” plans when the season starts going south.
For Giants fans, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Dart represents hope—a fresh start for a franchise that has struggled to find consistency at the quarterback position. While Wilson and Winston are placeholders, Dart is the player who could lead the Giants back to relevance.