The New York Giants are 0-2 in the current season. As the pressure mounts, the spotlight isn’t just on Russell Wilson; it’s quietly shifting to rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Dart was brought in as the team’s potential future at the position. But for now, he finds himself holding a clipboard on Sundays, learning the ropes behind a veteran who’s keeping the job, for the moment.
Jaxson Dart Learning Under Russell Wilson in Rookie Season
Dart entered training camp with plenty of buzz. His poise, arm strength, and mobility made him one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft class. And when the preseason rolled around, he lived up to the hype.
In the pre-season, Dart threw for 372 yards and three touchdowns without an interception, also flashing his legs with a rushing score. Even during a brief concussion scare in the final preseason game, he bounced back quickly, showing resilience and toughness. By all accounts, he looked NFL-ready.
The Giants, however, have a long-term strategy. They have chosen the “Patrick Mahomes rookie treatment” rather than hurriedly bringing Dart onto the field. That means he’s learning the playbook, acclimating to NFL speed, spending time on the scout team, and observing Wilson as he copes with the demands of being a starting quarterback in New York.
It’s a conservative but calculated strategy designed to ensure that Dart is truly ready when his number is called.
So far, Wilson’s play has bought the Giants time. He’s completed just over 60 percent of his passes for 618 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in the team’s first two games. The record may be ugly at 0-2, with losses to division rivals Washington and Dallas, but Wilson himself hasn’t been the problem.
New York Struggles to Start the Season, Opportunity for Dart to Play
And as long as he’s playing solid football, the Giants don’t feel the urgency to make a change under center.
But that doesn’t imply the discussion around Dart will stop. The Giants are playing one of the league’s most difficult games this week against the Kansas City Chiefs, a consistent contender. There will be even more talk about the quarterback position if New York drops to 0–3. Supporters will question whether patience will still be the solution or if it’s time to let the youngster take his time.
For the time being, Dart will ride the wave of being on the bench and learning from Wilson. It’s not a choice that pleases Dart, but it’s a necessary component of becoming a successful franchise quarterback.
And who knows, if the Giants continue to struggle, there’s no doubt that his opportunity will come sooner rather than later.
