NFL insider Mike Garafolo revealed that Giants head coach Brian Daboll was quietly nervous about rookie QB Jaxson Dart potentially overtaking veteran Russell Wilson before the preseason even began. Daboll emphasized to reporters that Wilson was still firmly the starter, but the subtext was clear: he didn’t want Dart stealing the spotlight with a standout performance.
Dart made a strong early impression, hitting a 29-yard touchdown pass to Lil’Jordan Humphrey and finishing 12-for-19 in the preseason opener. His poise and confidence had Daboll (and observers) taking notice. Talks on The Rich Eisen Show echoed the sentiment: while Russell Wilson will start Week 1, there’s an underlying awareness that Dart could force the issue quickly if his play continues to stand out.
New York Giants Russell Wilson
Jul 24, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks to pass during training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
“I think if you’re the Giants, you’re Jaxson Dart,” Garofolo in “The Rich Eisen Show.”
“Nobody said this to me, but we’re trying to be able to come out and start a training camp day one at that first conference and make it clear, Russell Wilson is QB1. I think somewhere in his head he thought, he’s going to have a great preseason. He’s going to have a great hand. We want to start the season as well, so let’s make that clear now before anything happens.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekoiQOoJd3o
That mindset mirrors Daboll’s careful quarterback strategy—balancing veteran leadership and rookie potential. With Russell Wilson providing stability and Dart sparking excitement, the Giants are walking a tightrope between experience and upside. Training camp battles can be tense, especially under pressure to win, but this cautious QB handling shows Daboll’s approach: hedge your bets, but be ready to adapt if the rookie earns his shot.
New York Giants, Jaxson Dart
Jul 24, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) rolls out during training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Jaxson Dart made quite a good impression that shook Russell Wilson’s QB1 status
The New York Giants finished in a miserable 3-14 record in the 2024-25 season and that put them in a prime position to draft Jaxson Dart in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. Having a backup QB behind Russell Wilson is important and the rookie has shown good signs that he can be a QB1 someday for the team.
“There’s a lot of personality, there’s a lot of confidence, there’s a lot of swag, and I include Jaxson Dart in that,” said Garofolo. So, you know, for him to go out and be as decisive as he was, get that ball out directly, the one touchdown, the Lil’ Jordan Humphrey, he had a guy right in his face, he really made it in and was willing to sit there and take it.”
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Aug 4, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) on the field during training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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