Giants GM makes feelings on Russell Wilson, Jaxson Dart situation clear

The topic of when rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart could replace starter Russell Wilson in the New York Giants' lineup continues to hover over the organization heading into its regular-season opener at the Washington Commanders on Sept. 7.

While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Giants general manager Joe Schoen reiterated that he and head coach Brian Daboll are sticking with their plan to develop Dart as a backup -- for now. 

"I think [Daboll has] said it a million times," Schoen said, as shared by Peter Sblendorio of the New York Daily News. "Russ is our quarterback. So that’s what we’re rolling with, and the timeline [for Dart] will be the timeline, however it works out."

Some think Dart's time as a backup will end when the Giants begin preparing for their home opener versus the Kansas City Chiefs, which will take place on Sept. 21. Others believe Dart could get the nod for New York's Week 5 game against the New Orleans Saints.

At least one former NFL general manager is convinced that Dart is the best quarterback on the Giants roster and gives the club "the best chance to win" after he played well during the preseason. On Thursday morning, Saad Yousuf of The Athletic wrote that "it’s hard to see [Wilson] rekindling anything close to his prime years" after the Pittsburgh Steelers moved on from the 36-year-old following the 2024 season. 

However, Schoen indicated on Wednesday that there's a good reason he and Daboll aren't rushing the first-year pro into action. 

"There’s still a lot of room for growth there," Schoen said about Dart. "He still has room for growth and a long way to go, and luckily, he’s in a room surrounded by veterans that have played in this league for quite some time. I think that will provide dividends down the road."

The Giants clearly want Dart to learn about life in the NFL while standing next to fellow backup Jameis Winston on the sidelines as Wilson faces live defenses in meaningful games. On Wednesday, Schoen insisted that Wilson's leadership has "been tremendous from the minute he walked in the building, not just on offense or in the quarterback room, but across the entire team." 

That's all well and good, but Wilson's play may have to be tremendous over the season's first month to keep Dart sidelined through that matchup at New Orleans on Oct. 5.