August 13, 2025 – As the New York Giants conclude their preseason, a familiar question has resurfaced: When should Jaxson Dart, the team’s first-round draft pick, be given the opportunity to start? The parallels to Russell Wilson’s arrival with the Seattle Seahawks in 2012 are drawing significant attention.
When the Seahawks acquired Russell Wilson as a rookie, the team had already committed to Matt Flynn as the starter. Wilson, a third-round pick, was initially considered a developmental prospect, with limited expectations of immediately seizing the QB1 role. However, after a strong preseason performance, Wilson quickly established himself as the team’s best option, ultimately leading them to a Super Bowl victory.
Similarly, the Giants drafted Jaxson Dart with a developmental focus. The team recognized Dart’s need to adapt to a pro-style offense, and few anticipated he would be ready for Week 1. However, Dart’s debut last week – 12 of 19 for 154 yards, including a remarkable deep touchdown pass to Lil’Jordan Humphrey – has ignited debate.
Coach Brian Daboll expressed optimism about Dart’s performance, stating, “Just about what I thought he would do. Efficient, effective, aggressive, confident in the pocket. Some stuff we can work on, but he’s doing good.” While Daboll acknowledged Dart’s potential, he emphasized that continued development was essential.
Dart undeniably possesses more upside than a 36-year-old Russell Wilson. The Giants are navigating a precarious situation, with General Manager Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll both facing pressure. The team’s recent struggles, summarized by owner John Mara as “we stunk,” have intensified scrutiny.
Despite Dart’s impressive debut, the Giants are unlikely to immediately hand him the starting job. The team’s desire to avoid benching Dart prematurely, coupled with Schoen and Daboll’s own tenure security, presents a complicated calculus. The team would likely wait to see how Wilson performs before considering a change. However, every loss or substandard performance by Wilson will undoubtedly fuel speculation regarding a potential quarterback adjustment.
The situation echoes Wilson’s 2012 situation, where his unexpectedly strong preseason performance quickly changed the landscape. The Giants face a familiar challenge: balancing Dart’s potential with the immediate needs of the team.