Giants players reveal how Russell Wilson has reacted to demotion

Roughly 24 hours after it was learned that Russell Wilson of the New York Giants had lost his starting quarterback job to rookie Jaxson Dart, Wilson indicated while speaking with reporters that he won't ask to be traded or released. 

It sounds like Wilson's teammates believe he could serve as a mentor and backup for Dart through and beyond the Nov. 4 trade deadline. 

Will Russell Wilson take starter Jaxson Dart under his wing? 

"He’s a complete professional," Giants tight end Chris Manhertz said about Wilson while chatting with Bridget Hyland of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com on Wednesday. "Knowing Russ, the type of person he is, the type of value he adds —whether he’s a starter or not — it’s invaluable. So I know that he’s taking Jaxson under his wing and helping him any way he can to get him prepared." 

Throughout the summer, numerous Giants players praised the leadership qualities that Wilson displayed after the club made Dart a first-round draft pick this past spring. Of course, such comments were made before Wilson played poorly in two of three losses en route to being relegated to backup duties ahead of this coming Sunday's home game against the 3-0 Los Angeles Chargers. 

That said, there's no guarantee Dart will either play well or stay healthy. During New York's preseason finale back on Aug. 21, he was evaluated for a concussion after he took an unnecessary hit following a run for a first down. 

Russell Wilson staying the same for New York Giants after losing QB1 gig

Safety Tyler Nubin is among the Giants players who think Wilson could stick around even if Dart remains in the lineup through Week 18. 

"He’s probably one of the best leaders I’ve been around," Nubin added about Wilson. "Especially even in this situation. He could come in and be sulking, looking down, be mad. He’s still the same, still hyping us up, still being a leader. So I don’t think that’s going to change at all."

Wilson's mindset could drastically change if an advertised Super Bowl contender in need of an upgrade at quarterback calls the Giants about his services before the first Tuesday of November arrives. For now, the 36-year-old is on track to be Big Blue's QB2 at MetLife Stadium this coming Sunday afternoon.