Russell Wilson’s still starting for Giants? Here's why that's a big mistake

Entering the 2025 season, the New York Giants shouldn't have expected much from veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. And yet he still underperformed in Week 1. 

In Sunday's 21-6 road loss to the Washington Commanders, Wilson finished 17-of-37 passing for 168 yards and posted a subpar 59.3 passer rating. 

The Giants offense is limited with Wilson. So, why not consider starting rookie QB Jaxson Dart in Week 2 at the Dallas Cowboys at 1 p.m. ET (Fox)? During a news conference on Monday, New York head coach Brian Daboll said Wilson will remain the starter.  

Brian Daboll: Russell Wilson will be better

"After a game, it's an emotional game, tough game, didn't play particularly well, I would say collectively, in terms of making any of those decisions, really at any position or schematic changes, I like to do it with a clear head and watch the tape," he said, per NFL.com's Kevin Patra. "Again, like I said yesterday, that game just doesn't fall on Russell Wilson. We have to do a better job collectively — coaching, planning. But Russ will be better."

But can Russell Wilson be better?

But Wilson, 36, is a declining player. Over his past 10 games with the Steelers and Giants, he went 195-of-316 passing (61.7 percent) for 2,108 yards and tossed 13 touchdown passes and five interceptions (via Stats Perform). The QB also posted a below-average 88.4 passer rating.

Daboll — who could be on the hot seat after missing the playoffs for two straight seasons — obviously believes the Super Bowl XLVIII champion is a safer option now than Dart.

The 25th pick of the 2025 NFL Draft would probably face a steep learning curve. Most rookie QBs do. At Ole Miss, the first-rounder played for head coach Lane Kiffin, who doesn't run a pro-style offense.

But Dart looked sharp in preseason. More importantly, he could have a favorable matchup against Dallas and he'd give Giants fans something they desperately need: hope. New York is 3-15 over the past two seasons. 

The Cowboys defense is adjusting to life without edge rusher Micah Parsons, who was traded to the Green Bay Packers before the season. In their 24-20 Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the unit surrendered 302 yards. Granted, the defending Super Bowl champions are a stronger team than most of their NFC East rivals.

Still, playing the QB of the future would be the better choice for the Giants. Wilson doesn't look like he can resurrect his career in New York — or anywhere else.