Giants Have Special Package for Rookie Jaxson Dart; Could Insert Him in Week 1
Russell Wilson is slated to start against the Commanders, but New York has plays designed for the rookie backup after an eventful preseason and training camp
LANDOVER, Md. — The New York Giants have built a package of plays tailored for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart and could put him on the field when they open the regular season against the Washington Commanders, even as Russell Wilson is set to start.
Head coach Brian Daboll confirmed during the spring that Wilson would be the Week 1 starter, and the veteran took the bulk of first-team snaps throughout training camp. Still, the Giants have developed specific situations in which Dart, a 22-year-old first-round pick, could be used as the primary backup while veteran Jameis Winston remains a third-string emergency option.
The packages envisioned for Dart are expected to lean on a heavier dose of running plays and designed quarterback movement — schemes intended to change tempo and create a different look for the opposing defense. Those plans reflect work dating to spring drills and intensive preparation through training camp aimed at getting the rookie ready for in-game action.
Dart flourished in preseason action, completing 32 of 47 passes for 372 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. He took the majority of second-team reps during camp while Wilson worked with the starters. Daboll also put Dart into unplanned scenarios in practice, including inserting him into two-minute drill situations and, in one start, cutting out the communication device in Dart’s headset to force improvisation. The coach said he liked what he saw often enough that the team has a clear plan for the rookie if an opportunity arises.
The Giants traded back into the first round of the 2025 NFL draft to select Dart with the 25th overall pick. The decision to keep him ready for potential early-season duty reflects both Dart’s preseason performance and the team’s desire to preserve flexibility at quarterback without changing the declared starter.
Washington’s coaching staff prepared last week to possibly see Dart, according to multiple reports, and the presence of a distinct package for the rookie gives opponent game planners additional elements to account for on Sunday at Northwest Stadium. The opener will be closely watched for how much Daboll chooses to deploy designed plays for his second-year signal-caller and whether those plays remain limited to scripted situations or expand into more live-game repetitions.
Russell Wilson, 36, is expected to take the first snap and likely the majority of the game’s plays. Winston remains on the active roster as a contingency and is not expected to be used unless an emergency dictates. The degree to which Dart is involved will be determined by Daboll’s read of the game flow and available openings to insert the rookie without disrupting the starter’s timeline.
Giants officials and coaching aides emphasized that the packages are part of a broader approach to quarterback development and roster construction rather than a signal that the team is preparing an immediate change at starter. For now, the plan preserves the established depth chart while offering a pathway for Dart to make his NFL debut if circumstances warrant.
