Giants GM leaves door open for potential Russell Wilson, Jaxson Dart decision

Shortly after the New York Giants traded up in the 2025 NFL Draft to select quarterback Jaxson Dart with the 25th overall pick, Giants head coach Brian Daboll insisted that veteran Russell Wilson would be the team's starter over Dart and backup Jameis Winston. 

According to SNY's John Flanigan, Daboll reiterated on Wednesday at the start of training camp that Wilson "is our starter." However, Giants general manager Joe Schoen later hinted that the door is open for the club to make a lineup change later this year. 

"Going through the process, we have Mike Kafka on the coaching staff as our offensive coordinator. He was in Kansas City with Patrick Mahomes, and I think [Mahomes] played one game at the end of the year his first season, so we’ve seen that," Schoen explained. "Our plan in Buffalo was for [quarterback Josh Allen] to not play much his first year. Then, we’re getting blown out in our first game and he played most of the year — so I think there’s some real benefits from sitting and learning, but if the coaching staff at some point feels it’s right and [Dart it] ready, then I’ll leave that up to them."

Kafka was an assistant with the Kansas City Chiefs when Mahomes served as a backup behind Alex Smith for the bulk of the 2017 season. Later, both Daboll and Schoen were with the Buffalo Bills when the Bills started Allen in Week 2 of his rookie campaign. 

Previous stories noted how Wilson emerged as the Giants' offensive leader before springtime practices wrapped up in June. That said, Tom Rock of Newsday mentioned earlier this week that "Wilson may not make it to the home opener in Week 3" as New York's starter if he fails to impress during road matchups against the Washington Commanders on Sept. 7 and the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 14.

The perception exists that Schoen and Daboll want Dart to remain an unused backup. As of Wednesday, it sounds like Dart isn't close to replacing Winston as QB2 on the Giants' depth chart. 

"[Dart] had a good spring," Schoen added. “He was in early, working hard, still learning the offense — but you saw leadership, arm talent, athleticism. He’s a rookie and he has a long way to go, but we have a good supporting cast to help. So, he’s in a good spot right now."

As of Wednesday afternoon, FanDuel Sportsbook had taken Giants players off the board regarding Week 1 starting quarterback bets. That likely says a great deal about the Giants' situation as they head into August.