Giants coach Brian Daboll confirms rookie Jaxson Dart will start in Week 4, Russell Wilson to serve as backup
It's official, the New York Giants are entering the Jaxson Dart era. Giants head coach Brian Daboll confirmed the news Wednesday, saying Dart will be the team's starter for the rest of the 2025 NFL season.
Daboll said he spoke to both Dart and Russell Wilson on Tuesday to deliver the news. While Daboll said his conversations with both men will remain private, he reiterated that it was his decision to swap to Dart.
"It's my decision," Daboll said. "We're going with Jaxson. We're gonna get him ready to play this week and the remainder of the season. He's going to do everything he can. Russ will be the backup.
"The conversations that I've had with these young men will be private. The details will be private. All I can tell you is we are going with Jaxson and we are getting ready to play."
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When asked why Daboll decided to make the switch, he initially declined to get into specifics, saying it was something he discussed with each player Tuesday.
Daboll later gave some insight into his thinking, crediting Dart for proving he deserves a shot. Daboll was careful to make sure expectations didn't get too high, saying he doesn't think any rookie quarterback is ever ready to start in Year 1.
Brian Daboll on Jaxson Dart: I don't think any rookie QB is ever just ready to play. You put him in there because you think that he's done enough to show you that he can go out there and compete, and he's done that every step of the way. That's why I made the decision." #giantspic.twitter.com/Sd8bQ2YS6W
- Charlotte Carroll (@charlottecrrll) September 24, 2025
Dart also spoke to reporters Wednesday, saying he was "ready" to start, and hopeful that he could be a "spark" for the team. Dart said he learned he was starting early Tuesday and made sure his parents were the first to hear the news.
QB Jaxson Dart on being named #giants starter:
- Charlotte Carroll (@charlottecrrll) September 24, 2025
I'm ready."
Says he found out yesterday morning and told parents the news first. pic.twitter.com/seOFcP4wfN
While not necessarily surprising, it's notable that Wilson will serve as Dart's primary backup the rest of the season. Given Wilson's age and previous level of excellence, he could have put the team in an awkward spot if he complained about the decision. It doesn't appear that will be the case, as Daboll said Wilson was "nothing but a pro" during their Tuesday conversation.
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The demotion could wind up being the end of the road for Wilson as an NFL starter. The 36-year-old wasn't particularly impressive in his 11-game stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers last year and put up subpar numbers in two of his three starts with the Giants. If he wants to stay in the NFL beyond the 2025 season, Wilson may need to do so as a backup.
Jameis Winston, who the team also signed in the offseason, will remain the Giants' No. 3 quarterback behind Dart and Wilson.
There's a lot riding on Dart's success in Year 1. After leading the team to a 3-14 record last season, Daboll is very much on the hot seat, especially with the Giants out to an 0-3 start. If Dart excels as a rookie, that might be enough to keep Daboll employed for another season.
If not, then it will likely be up to the team's next head coach to get the most out of Dart, who the team believes can be the future of the franchise.