Giants' Darius Slayton seems to pour cold water over Russell Wilson concerns

A recent report suggested that the New York Giants may want to consider starting Jameis Winston at quarterback because "the Giants’ first-team defense has looked like a much better unit than the offense" with Russell Wilson serving as New York's QB1 during springtime workouts. 

While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton indicated Wilson has impressed teammates on the practice field throughout organized team activities. 

"I don’t really know that he’s missed more than one or two deep balls this whole camp," Slayton said about Wilson, The New York Daily News' Peter Sblendorio shared. "He’s really accurate, really smart, has helped keep us in good plays throughout the camp, so his impact has been felt."

Giants head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen made it clear early into the process that Wilson would enter training camp as the club's starter, in part so that rookie and first-round draft pick Jaxson Dart could develop as an unused backup until further notice. That said, multiple reporters have mentioned that concerns about his job security could cause Daboll to turn to either Winston or Dart as soon as Week 5 of the upcoming season if the Giants are 1-3 or 0-4 at that time. 

Nevertheless, there's no quarterback controversy in the Giants locker room ahead of the team's mandatory minicamp that's scheduled to run from June 17 through June 18. 

"It feels like he’s been here longer than he has, and I’m sure some of that attributes to his experience," Slayton added about Wilson. "He has a very clear vision of what he wants. He’s a very clear communicator. As long as your ears work, all you’ve got to do is listen and do what he needs you to do, and the rest takes care of itself."

As of Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Giants at +125 betting odds to notch over 5.5 wins during the 2025 season. Such forecasts show that certain insiders believe Wilson won't return to his best days this fall. 

That may prove to be the case, but it certainly appears that Wilson will be given a chance to either sink or swim beginning with New York's regular-season opener at the Washington Commanders on Sept. 7.