Giants bench Russell Wilson; Jaxson Dart to start after 0-3 start

New York Giants coach Brian Daboll benched quarterback Russell Wilson on Wednesday, replacing him with rookie Jaxson Dart as the starter for the remainder of the season after an 0-3 start. The decision comes after two uneven performances from Wilson and marks a turning point for a team under pressure to reboot an offense that has struggled to produce consistency through the first quarter of the season. Dart, the first‑round pick, will start this weekend at home against the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers.

Daboll said the move was the right thing for the team and framed it as a practical step to maximize the offense’s potential after three straight losses. He added that Wilson remains a pro and handled the news with professionalism, noting that he informed Wilson of the change the day prior. Wilson himself has not backed away from a confident, winner‑mentality stance even as his role changed rapidly in New York. Speaking to reporters after the announcement, Wilson emphasized his belief in his own competitiveness and leadership, insisting that winners do not withhold effort or responsibility merely because of a benching.

Wilson’s on‑field results this season have been mixed. In Weeks 1 and 3, he completed only 51 percent of his passes and averaged about 164 passing yards per game. By contrast, he produced a standout, 450‑yard, three‑touchdown performance against the Dallas Cowboys, a performance that stands in stark contrast to the less productive showings in the other two games. Dart, meanwhile, has been used sparingly in run packages the last two weeks and has yet to attempt a pass in the regular season, according to the notes. He has spoken about delivering a spark for a winless team and bringing a degree of swagger and explosiveness to an offense that has struggled to find rhythm.

Dart’s first real test will come Sunday when the Giants host the Chargers and face a defense that has been stout through the early portion of the season. Dart said he wants to be a catalyst for improvement, aiming to energize teammates and create scoring opportunities when the opportunity arises. The rookie’s preseason success has fueled optimism that he can provide a fresh dynamic at quarterback, even as he moves into a demanding Week 4 assignment against a top‑tier opponent.

As the quarterback situation unfolded, Wilson was asked whether he would seek a trade or release in light of the benching. He replied that his focus is on helping the team win and that he intends to remain with the Giants for the season. “I’m focused on helping this team win…I want to be here. I love this organization, I love the process of it all. I’m not giving up on us and this season,” Wilson said. His comments suggest a willingness to persevere through the setback and continue contributing in whatever role the team envisions for him moving forward.

The Giants’ decision to move to Dart is supported by Daboll’s characterization of the change as the best option for the franchise at this juncture. Wilson, who has long been a Pro Bowl and Super Bowl winner, expressed belief in his abilities and in his team’s capacity to rebound, while Dart spoke about his desire to provide energy and a spark for a winless unit that has endured growing pains entering Week 4. The dynamic at quarterback is now centered on whether Dart can translate preseason optimism into regular‑season production against a formidable Chargers defense and help New York salvage the season while Wilson contemplates his next steps.

Meanwhile, a Daily Mail source indicated that Wilson remains determined to continue his NFL career, underscoring that the veteran quarterback has no plans to retire or walk away from the sport despite the benching. The Giants, for their part, have cast the move as a strategic shift aimed at unlocking a struggling offense and bolstering leadership and execution around a rookie who showed promise in the run-up to the regular season.

The team’s next chapter will unfold at MetLife Stadium, where the Giants will attempt to navigate a challenging matchup with a Chargers squad that has looked efficient in other domains this season. If Dart can acclimate quickly and deliver steady decision‑making, the Giants hope the offense can stabilize enough to avoid falling further behind in the early standings. For Wilson, the immediate path forward remains uncertain beyond Sunday’s game, but the atmosphere around the franchise has shifted toward a joint effort to maximize whatever talent remains on the roster while evaluating long‑term options for the quarterback position.

Throughout the transition, Daboll reiterated that the decision was made to benefit the team as a whole, emphasizing that leadership and accountability are core values for the club. Wilson’s public statements underscored his willingness to contribute and to maintain focus on the team’s goals, even as the quarterback hierarchy has been redefined. The coming weeks will reveal how the split role between Dart and Wilson will evolve, and whether the Giants can rebound from a rough start by building chemistry around their new starter while maintaining veteran leadership and stability in the locker room.