Wilson accepts Giants backup role as Jaxson Dart starts; 'not done' in Giants' season
Daboll designates Dart as starter for rest of season; Wilson vows to help the team from the sideline as the Giants open with a 0-3 record.
New York Giants coach Brian Daboll on Wednesday announced a plan that reshapes the team's quarterback depth chart for the foreseeable future: Jaxson Dart will start for the rest of the season, Russell Wilson will be the backup, and Jameis Winston will serve as the third string. The move comes as New York begins 0-3 and looks to save a season that has been derailed by inconsistent offense and a string of stalled drives. Wilson, benched for the start of the Jaxson Dart Era, addressed reporters with a steady resolve, saying he plans to embrace the new role and help the team win.
“No, I’m focused on helping this team win,” Wilson said. “I want to be here. I love this organization. I love the process of it all and the guys in the locker room. I’m not giving up on us and this season.” Daboll described Wilson’s reaction to the change as professional and noted that the adjustment is intended to accelerate Dart’s development while keeping the veteran ready to contribute.
Wilson, 36, was benched nine days after a 450-yard, three-touchdown performance in a loss to the Cowboys. The Giants had entered the game with hopes of a strong start after last season’s improvements, but the team showed limited red-zone efficiency and struggled to sustain consistent scoring across games. Daboll emphasized that the move was not about punishment but about maximizing the team’s chances to compete this season.
“Russ was nothing but a pro,” Daboll said of Wilson’s response to the benching. “He understands the bigger picture, and he’s going to help us win in the role we’ve asked him to play.” Still, the Giants must weigh potential future moves. General manager Joe Schoen could entertain a trade if he receives a compelling offer for Wilson, a veteran quarterback with a history of leadership. The dynamic is unfolding in a league that has already seen several teams start backup quarterbacks this season, illustrating the volatility at the position when teams are chasing outcomes rather than just potential.
Behind the scenes, the move also aligns with the Giants’ recent emphasis on Dart’s development as the long-term answer under center. Wilson has talked openly about leading from the front and supporting Dart, telling the rookie, “I’ve got your back.” Dexter Lawrence, a fellow veteran on the roster, spoke to the change with a blend of respect and practicality, acknowledging Wilson’s impact while focusing on the responsibilities of the next man up.
The atmosphere around the Giants reflects a team trying to salvage a season that has yielded just 15 points in their two other losses after the Cowboys game. Wilson’s performance in the red zone has been a point of contention, with a current 4-for-18 mark in red-zone attempts that illustrates the challenges New York has faced finishing drives. Daboll and the staff have signaled that Dart’s development remains a priority, even as the team benefitted from Wilson’s leadership in the locker room and on the practice field.
The decision extends beyond a single game or a moment in time. This is Wilson’s fourth team in five years, a career arc that makes the current situation particularly delicate. Leaders do not abandon the locker room, and Wilson’s insistence that he remains engaged to help the team win is a signal that his focus is on the collective outcome rather than personal circumstances. Wilson’s benching is not tied to contract guarantees—the Giants owe him a modest, tradeable $1.6 million—but it is tied to performance and the coaching staff’s strategy for the season.
For Dart, the coming weeks will define his ability to lead an offense that has shown flashes but not consistency. Daboll’s decision to start Dart now creates a high-stakes learning curve for a quarterback still early in his development, while Wilson’s continued readiness provides a veteran counterpoint to help stabilize the unit. The Giants will monitor the situation closely as they navigate a season that has already proven unpredictable at the quarterback position.
As the season continues, the Giants will aim to maximize Dart’s growth while leveraging Wilson’s leadership and experience to keep the team competitive in the short term. The balance between development and results remains the central question as New York moves forward with its quarterback plan.
