The New York Giants have made a decisive and somewhat desperate move by naming rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart as their starter, benching veteran Russell Wilson after a disappointing 0-3 start to the 2025 NFL season. This shift by head coach Brian Daboll represents a last-ditch effort to salvage the season and potentially secure his own position amid growing pressures within the franchise.
The Giants began the season with high hopes but quickly found themselves struggling against tough competition and failing to rack up wins. Owner John Mara had tempered expectations early on, noting that improvement rather than immediate playoff success was the primary objective for the season. However, after three losses and looming challenges ahead, the organization realized a substantive change was necessary.
Coach Daboll, who had initially stuck with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson despite a rocky start, finally relented and made the groundbreaking decision to elevate Jaxson Dart, the team’s first-round pick, to the starting role. This move was made much earlier in the season than anticipated and underscores the urgency felt by the Giants’ leadership.
Daboll acknowledged that the team’s performance was far from ideal and indicated an ongoing evaluation process regarding personnel decisions across the roster. However, the quarterback switch was clearly the most significant change designed to inject fresh energy and hope into the offense.
General Manager Joe Schoen and Coach Daboll had hoped for a scenario where Wilson’s experience could stabilize the team while Dart developed gradually. That plan collapsed under the weight of constant losses and a punishing schedule featuring multiple games against undefeated teams. As a result, the development plan was scrapped in favor of giving Dart a high-pressure, immediate opportunity to prove himself.
The 23-year-old Dart’s promotion to starter puts enormous pressure on the rookie, as his performance will likely influence not only the trajectory of the season but also the futures of Daboll and Schoen within the organization. Both men are perceived to be on thin ice, with the 2025 campaign possibly marking their last chance to demonstrate progress.
The Giants have struggled in recent years, and ownership has not shied away from changing leadership when necessary, having dismissed four head coaches since 2015. Yet, Mara showed patience with Daboll and Schoen initially, aiming for continuity. This latest move may be their final attempt to turn things around without resorting to a complete reset.
In the short term, Dart’s success or failure will be pivotal. While Dart has shown enough promise to earn playing time, the transition from a developmental prospect to a full-time starter in a difficult NFL environment is a significant leap. Fans and analysts alike recognize that Dart’s performance over the coming weeks will be carefully scrutinized, and it remains to be seen if he can energize the Giants’ offense and lead them to better results.
As the Giants prepare for their Week 4 challenge against the Los Angeles Chargers, much attention will be focused on Dart’s ability to handle the pressure, adapt quickly, and execute at a high level. The team’s record of 0-3 and the difficult schedule ahead make this a critical juncture for the franchise.
Ultimately, this bold decision reflects both the urgency of the Giants’ situation and the high stakes involved for Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen, who hope that entrusting the future to Jaxson Dart will produce enough wins and momentum to stabilize the team moving forward.