The New York Giants’ quarterback room has been turned upside down, creating major questions about the future of Russell Wilson. With rookie Jaxson Dart unexpectedly named the new starter, the team’s depth chart is completely different from what anyone predicted just a month ago. What happens next for Wilson could send shockwaves across the entire NFL.
What Does Jaxson Dart’s Promotion Mean for Russell Wilson?
According to NFL Insider Jonathan Jones on NFL on CBS, head coach Brian Daboll has officially informed both Jaxson Dart and Russell Wilson of their new roles. Jones reported, “It appears right now that Russell Wilson will be QB2. I say that for right now, okay? Because Russell Wilson, I do not believe has a no trade clause in his contract.”
.@jjones9 weighs in on Russell Wilson’s future after the Giants decided to start Jaxson Dart.
Will he get traded by the Trade Deadline? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/c6I4R7VfSS
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 23, 2025
That temporary phrasing is critical, as Wilson’s spot as the immediate backup is hardly secure. Jones emphasized that the Giants could use him as “trade bait eventually,” especially with the November 4 trade deadline fast approaching. For now, Jameis Winston remains the emergency third-string quarterback, protected by a two-year deal that New York is not eager to move.
Meanwhile, one team is already at the center of speculation: the Cincinnati Bengals, who recently lost their star quarterback, Joe Burrow, to turf toe for at least three months. With Burrow sidelined, Cincinnati’s offense completely collapsed under backup Jake Browning.
Although Browning showed flashes of competence in 2023 with 1,936 passing yards and 12 touchdowns, his struggles were on full display in a Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. In that game, he finished with just 140 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in a disastrous 48-10 blowout.
For Bengals fans, any optimism quickly dissolved after just one start. As one report noted, “For all of his flaws, Wilson would be an upgrade under center until Burrow is cleared to return.” While Jones cautioned that no deal is imminent, he left the door wide open for a scenario where Cincinnati, or another team dealing with an injury, might explore acquiring Wilson as a temporary solution.
This situation was never how Russell Wilson’s tenure with the Giants was supposed to begin. As Logan Horito of Pro Football Network explained, “After a disappointing role at Denver, Wilson signed with the Giants, hoping to revitalize his career. But through three weeks, his play didn’t meet expectations.” That underwhelming performance prompted Daboll to hand the keys to Dart much earlier than anyone anticipated.
This decision marks a clear turning point for the franchise, as Dart’s first start against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4 is now being framed as the beginning of a new era. Former coach Jon Gruden captured the mood perfectly when he reacted to the news by saying, “Here we go!”
Ultimately, the Giants’ move shows their priorities are firmly set on building around Dart. For Wilson, however, the future is far less certain. Whether he remains a backup in New York, moves into a starting role for another team, or becomes a major piece in a midseason trade, his name will be at the center of quarterback storylines across the league throughout the 2025 season.
