Giants' Schedule Has Analyst Expecting Quarterback Change

The New York Giants had a strong offseason, upgrading at quarterback, adding a blue-chip talent in edge rusher Abdul Carter, and finding a handful of defensive starters in free agency and the NFL Draft.

There’s no doubt that there’s more talent on this roster than last season. But that isn’t a guarantee to vastly improve upon 2024’s 3-14 record. Much of the league improved in the spring (or at least thinks they did), and a tough NFC East will continue to make life difficult.

Subsequently, New York has a gauntlet waiting for it in September, increasing the odds of another uncompetitive season.

The Giants’ schedule is generating concerns, particularly as it relates to their uncertain quarterback situation. On “Get Up,” former NFL linebacker Bart Scott suggested that a slow start could see Russell Wilson hand the reins to first-round rookie Jaxson Dart earlier than anticipated.

“I think the likelihood that Russell Wilson will probably be benched for (Jaxson) Dart by Week 8,” Scott said. “I mean, I couldn’t find a home win for the Giants this season, talking about that, you know, which puts them in a precarious position because I think, you know, they’re going to be in a position to take the next quarterback next year and maybe Daboll could be, you know, on the cutting block.”

Wilson is an instant upgrade over Daniel Jones and the cast of characters New York rolled out in 2024. But with three better quarterbacks in his division, dates with the AFC West and NFC North, with the New England Patriots to boot, the Giants will rarely have an advantage under center.

The plan for Dart is to have a redshirt season of sorts, perhaps playing late in the year. If he looks the part and the offense is struggling, though, the pressure to put in the first-round passer could mount.

“How are they going to score points?” Scott asked. “You’ve got to score points and win football games. This ain’t the 2000s Ravens defense that’s going to hold everybody down.”

New York visits the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8, although some have suggested that Week 5 (at New Orleans Saints) or Week 7 (at Denver Broncos) is the earliest Dart could see action.

It seems like general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll will have more than the 2025 season to prove themselves, assuming no disasters unfold in the coming months. That could provide the security to push Dart’s debut later into the season, regardless of Wilson’s on-field product.

New York should look far more competent in 2024, but Scott isn’t wrong to be hesitant about it manifesting in many more wins.