Giants Draft Dart, But Wilson Expected to Lead the Charge in 2025

The New York Giants made a splash in the 2025 NFL Draft, trading up late into the first round to secure the services of Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart. The move signifies a clear investment in the future of the franchise, but fans eager to see Dart take the reins of the offense right away may need to temper their expectations. While Dart represents the long-term plan at quarterback, veteran Russell Wilson is currently slated to start for the Giants in the upcoming season.

Wilson, a Super Bowl champion and perennial Pro Bowler, signed a one-year, incentive-laden deal with the Giants worth a base value of $10.5 million. His arrival provides the Giants with a seasoned presence under center and a bridge to the future as they groom Dart for the rigors of the NFL. The Giants also have Jameis Winston, a former first-overall pick in the NFL Draft, on the roster.

General Manager Joe Schoen understands that even the best-laid plans can change in an instant, especially at the quarterback position. He need only look back to his time with the Buffalo Bills to find a cautionary tale. In 2018, the Bills drafted Josh Allen with the seventh overall pick, intending for him to sit and learn behind veteran AJ McCarron. However, unforeseen circumstances thrust Allen into the spotlight sooner than anticipated.

"We’ve been through this, we went through it with Josh Allen," Schoen recounted in an interview on SiriusXM NFL Radio. "We had a little bit different quarterback room at the time, but he was going to sit his rookie year. Then halftime of the opening game, we’re getting smoked by Baltimore, so we put him in and the rest was history. So that plan didn’t go as well."

The Bills’ quarterback room in 2018 was significantly less established than the Giants’ situation in 2025. Before the season even began, the Bills traded McCarron, leaving Nathan Peterman as the only quarterback ahead of Allen. Peterman’s disastrous performance in Week 1, completing only 5 of 18 passes for a mere 24 yards, forced the Bills’ hand, and Allen was thrust into the starting role.

Schoen expresses more confidence in the Giants’ ability to adhere to their development plan for Dart. The presence of Wilson and Winston provides a stable and experienced quarterback room that will allow Dart to learn and grow without the immediate pressure of starting. This situation gives Dart the time and space to learn the Giants’ complex offensive scheme and adjust to the speed and intensity of the NFL.

"We didn’t have a Russell Wilson or Jameis Winston in the room," Schoen acknowledged, drawing a clear distinction between the Bills’ 2018 quarterback situation and the Giants’ current landscape. "So again, Jaxson’s going to come in, he’s got to learn the offense. There’s a lot to learn. These NFL offenses are hard to grasp and pick up and then be able to go out and execute, so the ability for him to learn and sit behind two consummate pros already will be beneficial for him."

Despite the intention for Dart to begin his career as a backup, Schoen emphasizes the importance of preparation. The unpredictable nature of the NFL, particularly regarding injuries, necessitates that Dart be ready to step onto the field at any given moment.

"We’ve played seven quarterbacks over the last two years, so he’s going to have to prepare like he’s going to have to play," Schoen asserted. "So again you want him to come in, develop a routine, learn how to be a pro, learn how to study the game, and then if his number’s called and he has to go out and execute, he’s going to need to be ready."

The Giants’ coaching staff will undoubtedly utilize the offseason programs, training camp, and preseason to provide Dart with valuable reps and opportunities to showcase his talent. While Wilson and Winston will likely receive the bulk of the snaps as they acclimate to a new offense, Dart will need to maximize his opportunities to demonstrate his progress and readiness.

The dynamic between Dart, Wilson, and Winston will be a key storyline to watch throughout the offseason and into the regular season. Wilson’s performance will dictate the team’s immediate success, while Dart’s development will determine the long-term trajectory of the franchise. Winston provides further stability at the position with starting experience in the league. How the coaching staff manages the workload and playing time of these three quarterbacks will be crucial.

The drafting of Jaxson Dart represents a significant investment in the future of the New York Giants. While he may not be the immediate starter, his potential is undeniable. By learning from veteran quarterbacks like Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, and by diligently preparing as if he will play, Dart can position himself for future success. The Giants, having learned from past experiences, are aiming to patiently cultivate Dart’s talents, while simultaneously competing at a high level with Wilson at the helm. Only time will tell if their plan comes to fruition, but the foundation is being laid for a potentially bright future in New York.