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Giants Coach Brian Daboll Names Starting Quarterback For Week 1

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 11:08 AM ET

Despite having a few intriguing quarterback options on their roster, New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll has already named a starter for Week 1 against the Washington Commanders.

Back in March, the Giants signed Russell Wilson to a one-year, $10.5 million contract. This move was made just days after the front office agreed to terms on a two-year, $8 million deal with Jameis Winston. Most people expected Wilson and Winston to be the unquestioned starter and backup, respectively. At the time, Tommy DeVito was the only other quarterback on the roster.

In April, however, the Giants traded back into the first round of the NFL Draft to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart with the 25th overall pick.

"I like the way he plays. I like his competitive fire. I like his accuracy. I like his ability to push the ball down the field, his athletic ability to run with the football," Daboll said after the Giants drafted Dart. "I think this guy's got better every year he's played. He's a leader. He was smart. He has the attributes that we were looking for. Excited to have him. Look forward to getting him in the room. He's got a lot to learn. It'll be a process here with him, but he's a guy we look forward to working with."

Even though Dart will eventually get the chance to start, he won't be under center for Week 1.

On Wednesday morning, Daboll told reporters that Wilson will be his starting quarterback.

"These guys will be out here competing, but Russ is our starter," Daboll said.

Brian Daboll and Russell Wilson are shown during a New York Giants practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center, East Rutherford, NJ, on May 28, 2025.Anne-Marie Caruso/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

This decision shouldn't really surprise Giants fans. Wilson currently gives Daboll's squad the best chance to win games.

Wilson, a 10-time Pro Bowl quarterback, has already said can lead New York's offense without worrying about Dart waiting in the wings.

"I think the biggest thing is for me is just being my best every day, leading. I always think about just leading everybody, just leading every room, every moment, every time I get to step between the white lines and the opportunity of that," Wilson told reporters during organized team activities.

Only time will tell if Wilson can fend off Dart for the entire season.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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