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The New York Giants are benching veteran quarterback Russell Wilson and turning to first-round rookie Jaxson Dart, sources told multiple outlets on Tuesday. Dart, the 25th overall pick in this year’s draft, will make his first NFL start Sunday at home against the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers.
Head coach Brian Daboll informed his quarterbacks of the decision on Tuesday, one day after leaving Wilson’s status in question. “We’re evaluating everything,” Daboll said Monday, refusing to commit to the 14-year veteran.
The Giants (0-3) also have Jameis Winston on the roster, but Dart quickly worked past Winston on the depth chart during the summer.
Wilson’s Struggles Spark Change
Wilson, signed to a one-year deal worth $10.5 million with incentives, has struggled badly in his first three games with New York. His 78.5 passer rating is a career low and ranks just 24th among quarterbacks this season.
In Sunday’s 22-9 loss to Kansas City, Wilson threw for only 160 yards with two interceptions, including one in the red zone and another that drew boos from the MetLife Stadium crowd. The frustration was capped late when Wilson threw the ball away on fourth down.
Hopes were high that the 10-time Pro Bowler and former Super Bowl champion could rejuvenate his career in New York, but the Giants’ offense ranks 27th in scoring despite being 12th in yards.
Wilson’s career has been in steady decline since leaving Seattle. Denver benched him in 2023, and he later struggled in Pittsburgh before landing with the Giants this offseason. His future with the team remains uncertain, and he could be a trade option before the Nov. 4 deadline.
Dart Era Begins in New York
The Giants traded back into the first round of April’s draft to select Dart at No. 25 overall. Daboll was high on Dart throughout the scouting process, praising his preparation, quick decision-making, and poise in big moments.
Since rookie minicamp, Dart has impressed coaches and teammates, steadily climbing from third-string to the primary backup. He has logged six offensive snaps so far, mostly in run packages, but will now have a full week of starter reps before facing a top-five Chargers defense.
Dart’s mobility and zone-read ability give the Giants’ offense a new dimension compared to Wilson’s traditional style. Fans already showed excitement when he briefly took the field last Sunday, contrasting with the boos aimed at Wilson.
What’s Next for Giants
The move marks the second straight year Daboll has benched his opening-day starter, after sitting Daniel Jones last November in favor of Tommy DeVito. This time, the shift is more permanent, as Dart is seen as the future of the franchise.
Dart will make his first start against the Chargers before facing the winless Saints in Week 5 and a quick turnaround against the Eagles in Week 6.
For a franchise searching for stability under center, Sunday could mark the beginning of a new era — and perhaps a turning point for Daboll’s struggling Giants.
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