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Jaxson Dart closed gap on Russell Wilson with effective debut
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart. Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Jaxson Dart closed gap on Russell Wilson with effective Giants preseason debut

By Eric Smithling  |  Last updated Aug 10, 2025 8:57 AM ET

New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart might not need to remain Russell Wilson's backup for long. The first-round pick was promising in an extended appearance during the first half of the Giants' preseason road opener against the Buffalo Bills, showing the gap between him and the team's veteran starter could be smaller than expected.

Wilson, who signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract during free agency in March, was previously named the team's starting quarterback by head coach Brian Daboll.

He started Saturday's game against the Bills and was an efficient but unremarkable, finishing 6-of-7 for 28 yards in his lone series.

Dart, the No. 25 overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, played four series and finished 12-of-19 for 154 yards and one touchdown while adding 24 yards on three carries.

On arguably his best throw, Dart dropped the ball into wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey's hands for a 28-yard touchdown along the sideline, giving the Giants a 10-0 lead.

Late in the half, Dart kept his eyes downfield as the pocket collapsed around him on a 2nd-and-15, and he delivered an on-target pass to wide receiver Montrell Washington for an 18-yard gain to move the sticks.

A day after veterans reported to Giants training camp, Daboll reaffirmed his commitment to Wilson as the team's starting quarterback, telling reporters, "These guys will be out here competing, but Russ is our starter." 

It's unlikely that Dart, third on the team's unofficial depth chart (he's also behind veteran free-agent addition Jameis Winston), will challenge Wilson for the starting gig entering Week 1, but his promising preseason debut could be a sign that he'll be ready to take over before the end of the season.

The Giants aren't expected to be very good in 2025, with oddsmakers setting their over-under win total at 5.5, per ESPN Bet. Only the Cleveland Browns (4.5) have a lower total.

If the season goes sideways, it would make more sense for Daboll to turn the page to Dart. Should the rookie quarterback continue to look sharp the rest of the preseason, it could happen sooner.

Eric Smithling
Twitter/X Muck Rack

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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