Jun 17, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) and quarterback Russell Wilson (3) interact during minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

Giants Bench $10.5M Russell Wilson for Rookie Jason Dart Just Days After 450-Yard Game

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Heena Singh | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 2:22 PM ET

On September 23, Adam Schefter reported that the New York Giants are planning a QB change. They’re in talks to start rookie Jaxson Dart on Sunday vs. the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4. Russell Wilson, who signed a $10.5M contract with $8M signing bonus, will likely be the No. 2 QB. This news came after Wilson threw for 450 yards against the Dallas Cowboys.

Dart, the Giants’ No. 25 pick in April’s 2025 NFL Draft, was projected to see starting reps this season. He accelerated that timeline with a sharp preseason, having completed three touchdown passes with no interceptions in three outings. This likely convinced coaches he was ready to take control of the offense sooner than planned.

Giants Turn to Rookie Jaxson Dart as Russell Wilson Era Collapses

The New York Giants officially benched veteran QB Russell Wilson on Monday, September 23, turning to rookie Jaxson Dart as their new starter. The move comes after Wilson’s rocky three-game start to the season left the Giants at 0-3, including a prime-time loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Despite signing Wilson to stabilize the offense, HC Brian Daboll said the team must “evaluate everything” after the Week 3 defeat. Wilson went 18-for-32 for 160 yards with two interceptions in that game, continuing a slow start that has seen him complete just 59.1% of his passes for 778 yards and three touchdowns this season. His 78.5 passer rating ranks near the bottom among NFL starters.

“We’re evaluating everything,” Daboll told reporters on Monday, alluding to the team’s offensive struggles.

Dart jumped to the No. 2 QB role in the preseason after outperforming expectations. New York had even prepared a package of plays for him in Week 1, though he didn’t see action until Weeks 2 and 3, when he logged two rushing attempts.

The Giants now pivot to the future. Dart arrives with heavy college experience, starting 45 games across USC and Ole Miss. His senior season numbers – 4,279 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a 69.3% completion rate – led the conference.

Jaxson Dart’s first NFL start will come in Week 4 at MetLife Stadium against the unbeaten Los Angeles Chargers (3-0).

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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