Why Giants believe Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston are vital for development of Jaxson Dart

Ever since the New York Giants made Jaxson Dart the 25th overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen have insisted they want Dart to develop as a backup while sharing a quarterback room with starter Russell Wilson and fellow veteran Jameis Winston.

On Wednesday, ESPN's Jordan Raanan detailed how Wilson and Winston have embraced mentoring Dart since the spring.

"The Giants have been adamant about how Wilson's leadership has benefited the entire team," Raanan wrote. "...Wilson's intentional work on and off the field has found space to include his fellow QBs. Winston, Dart and [former Giants backup Tommy DeVito] were guests at Wilson's Why Not You Foundation's $3M Dollar Dinner on the 50-yard line at MetLife Stadium just last week, enjoying the night out together."

Wilson's two-campaign stint with the Denver Broncos was filled with more lows than highs, and he lost his final five starts with the Pittsburgh Steelers last season before Pittsburgh elected not to re-sign him.

That said, Wilson is a 36-year-old signal-caller who probably should have two Super Bowl victories on his career resume. The 10-time Pro Bowl selection may not give the 2025 Giants "the best chance to win" as it pertains to on-the-field ability, but numerous stories shared throughout the summer have noted how Wilson has emerged as the leader of the Big Blue offense heading into the club's regular-season opener at the Washington Commanders on Sept. 7.

Meanwhile, the Giants' decision to hold onto Winston has surprised analysts who have noted that Dart could serve as New York's primary backup versus Washington. Raanan explained why Schoen seemingly isn't in a rush to trade Winston this summer. 

"Winston is regularly on the field after practice, throwing to some of the younger wide receivers," Raanan added. "He's often the last quarterback off the field. Teammates and coaches have stressed that Winston is invaluable to the locker room, especially with Dart. Winston has taken Dart under his wing. Together, they do yoga and late-night stretching and training. It's not unusual to see them working on unorthodox stretches in the weight room at 7 or 8 p.m."

Daboll and Schoen clearly hope Wilson will play well enough to keep Dart sidelined through at least late December. If that doesn't happen, the time that Dart spent with Wilson and Winston this summer could prove to be a godsend whenever the 22-year-old is called into action.