Russell Wilson “Not Done” Amid Retirement Rumors as Giants Promote Jaxson Dart to QB1

New York Giants have been juggling the decision to promote rookie QB Jaxson Dart after Russell Wilson's struggles.

Russell Wilson “Not Done” Amid Retirement Rumors as Giants Promote Jaxson Dart to QB1

Jaxson Dart replacing Russell Wilson as QB1 (Image via Sporting News/Gridiron Media/X)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Jaxson Dart was supposed to be learning behind Super Bowl champion quarterback Russell Wilson as the New York Giants battled through the 2025 season. After three games, that situation has changed.

In their season opener, Wilson struggled mightily with his efficiency, as they could not even score a touchdown. Frustrations were starting to creep in, but the 36-year-old made amends in the next game, throwing for 450 yards in a narrow overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

That gave Giants fans some hope, but those hopes were dashed again in Game 3, when Wilson reverted to his Game 1 struggles, connecting on just 18 of his 32 throws for a measly 160 yards.

Giants fans started demanding that the team throw in rookie QB Jaxson Dart, as Wilson’s 2 interceptions stopped them from making any progress against the struggling Kansas City Chiefs.

Initially, head coach Brian Daboll was vague, revealing that they would go over the decision together as a team. Even though there were inclinations they would move from Wilson for the next game, the HC gave his final update after practice:

In terms of the quarterback situation, I met both with Russ yesterday and Jaxson privately. Russ was nothing but a pro, which I would expect him to be. It’s my decision we’re going with Jaxson. We’re going to get him ready to play this week and the remainder of the season… Russ will be the backup.

Brian Daboll told reporters

This effectively ends Russell Wilson‘s tenure as the starting quarterback for the New York Giants, as he will now be demoted as the backup behind Jaxson Dart, at least until the situation changes.

Russell Wilson dispels retirement rumors

This is not the first time Russell Wilson has been the backup to another young QB, playing the role in Week 6 last season when Justin Fields was still playing well.

He returned to his starter role in Week 7 and did not relinquish his place despite the Steelers’ late-season struggles. This happens to be the first time he has been demoted from his QB1 spot, prompting questions about his future in the game.

I think the best thing I can do is lead from the front… We’ve had 3 tough games… For me right now, I think it’s really about the team, really about helping Jaxson to the best I possibly can. For me personally, I’m not done. I’ve got so much belief in myself… I know I can help this football team.

Russell Wilson said as recorded by Ralph Vacchiano

The 10-time Pro Bowler went on to say that he will stay focused and prepared in the event the team needs him again this season. He is not willing to throw in the towel, as he still believes he can help them win.

Jaxson Dart will face some of the toughest defenses as a rookie

After their Game 3 debacle, Brian Daboll had suggested that their decision to throw in Jaxson Dart would depend on the upcoming schedule. Since they believe they cannot take those chances anymore, the rookie will now face the brunt of the league’s best defense.

Giants will throw Jaxson Dart into the fire
Giants will throw Jaxson Dart into the fire (Image via DraftKings Network/X)

In their next game, he will face the formidable Los Angeles Chargers defense, which has been instrumental in their undefeated run so far. Then, there is an easy game against the New Orleans Saints.

But the next 8 weeks will show if the Ole Miss alum has the heart to take on the pounding from grown men. Two games against the Philadelphia Eagles, with one against the Broncos in between.

Then the 49ers will roll into town, followed by a visit to Chicago and their resurgent defense. He will then likely see Micah Parsons and the Packers unit chasing him down. Next, Dart will face the hard-hitting Detroit Lions and the motivated New England Patriots defense.

By the time he gets a breather in Week 14, the NFL world will understand well how Jaxson Dart and the Giants have fared. Their final 4 games will likely be against playoff contenders, which will go on to prove if this move to insert the rookie over Russell Wilson was a sensible decision.

Also Read: