Russell Wilson, the former Seattle Seahawks star, is entering his 14th NFL season and appears to be the frontrunner to start at quarterback for the New York Giants in 2025.
Although he’s well past his prime years, Wilson‘s experience and early performance in team activities suggest he remains the top option to lead the Giants‘ offense this season.
Wilson’s NFL journey has been a winding one since his dominant years in Seattle from 2015 to 2020. Three years ago, he was traded to the Denver Broncos, where he lasted only two seasons before being released.
He then signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, followed by another one-year contract with the Giants, reportedly worth up to $10.5 million.
Despite the ups and downs, Wilson is leading the quarterback race in New York. Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic reported that during the Giants‘ initial Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Wilson earned the majority of first-team reps, signaling that the coaching staff views him as the early favorite to start Week 1.
Giants hoping to give Jaxson Dart time to settle
While Wilson is clearly ahead, he’s not without competition. Jameis Winston, who had some flashes of brilliance during his time with the Cleveland Browns last year, also remains in the mix but struggles with consistency, making it unlikely he’ll be the full-time starter.
Winston did get some first-team reps during OTAs, but Wilson’s experience and steadiness seem to give him the edge.
The most intriguing challenger is rookie Jaxson Dart, the Giants’ first-round pick at No. 25 in the 2025 NFL Draft. Dart rose up the draft boards late in the process and is widely regarded as the third-best quarterback prospect behind Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders.
Although his game is raw, Dart‘s talent and potential to make an immediate impact can’t be overlooked.
If Wilson struggles or the Giants stumble early in the season, Dart could find himself on the field sooner than expected. This quarterback competition carries major implications not just for the players but also for Giants head coach Brian Daboll, whose job security is tied to the team’s success.
A strong rookie showing by Dart might give Daboll a path to keep his job, while a solid season from Wilson would stabilize the situation for the coach.
For now, the Giants seem to be banking on Wilson‘s experience and leadership to guide the offense, but the pressure is mounting for both the quarterback and the head coach.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Wilson and Dart to see who can secure the starting role and help the Giants compete in what promises to be a challenging season.
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