Russell Wilson’s once-storied NFL career now teeters on uncertain ground. A decade ago, he was the gold standard – a Super Bowl champion, consistent Pro Bowler, and a master of late-game magic. When he signed with the New York Giants in March 2025, his Instagram caption, “Ready to work,” reflected a player determined to rebound.
He earned early praise from head coach Brian Daboll and welcomed competition from rookie Jaxson Dart. But a report by The Athletic’s Mike Sando suggests NFL coaches no longer see the traits that once made Wilson exceptional.
Several league coaches told Sando that Wilson’s defining strength, his ability to improvise under pressure, has faded. “The magic he had, the ability to create plays on the move, is gone,” one defensive coordinator claimed. Once a durable dual-threat quarterback in Seattle, Wilson’s numbers have been steadily declining since 2021.
Wilson’s decline meets Dart’s rise
Wilson’s peak came in the mid-2010s, notably in 2015 with 4,024 yards and a league-best 110.1 passer rating. He also consistently added value with his legs, topping 500 rushing yards in four seasons. But by 2021, the cracks began to show. Injuries and reduced mobility limited his impact, and his 6-8 record that year marked a turning point.
His time with Denver was turbulent. In 2022, he posted a career-low 84.4 passer rating, followed by a modest improvement in 2023. Then in Pittsburgh in 2024, he managed a 6-5 record but underwhelmed statistically. Despite Daboll naming him the Giants’ starter, the necessity of such declarations hints at doubt within the organization.
Jaxson Dart, meanwhile, has quickly impressed. In a preseason win over the Bills, he completed 12-of-19 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown. Beyond the numbers, his composure and leadership have resonated with teammates.
Linebacker Abdul Carter shared a sideline photo with Dart captioned simply “51,” while Dart’s repost hinted at deeper chemistry building inside the locker room.
Wilson remains QB1, for now. But Dart’s strong debut, SEC pedigree, and growing locker room support are hard to ignore. With Wilson ranked 26th in this year’s QB tiers, a far cry from his 2020 peak, the spotlight may soon shift. If Dart continues trending upward, the Giants could face a decision much sooner than expected.
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