Pro Football Rumors
Throughout the offseason, questions have lingered about how long Russell Wilson will remain atop the Giants’ quarterback depth chart. The Super Bowl winner will get the nod for Week 2, but Jaxson Dart looms as a replacement option.
Wilson and the Giants’ offense endured a highly unproductive outing during a season-opening loss. Head coach Brian Daboll confirmed the 36-year-old will start tomorrow against the Cowboys, although it was reported this week Dart’s strong summer performances could accelerate the timeline for him to take over. Indeed, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports Dallas has prepared a defensive package in case the first-round rookie sees time on Sunday.
The Giants’ preference, though, would be to keep Wilson on the field as much as possible. Per Fowler’s colleague Adam Schefter, there is “no sense of urgency” on the part of the Giants to make a quarterback change. That stance is especially understandable with left tackle Andrew Thomas in line to miss tomorrow’s game. It would come as little surprise if New York waited until the veteran blindside blocker was healthy to consider starting Dart.
After selecting edge rusher Abdul Carter third overall, the Giants traded back into the first round to select Dart. The Ole Miss product was the second signal-caller off the board, and he entered the NFL with upside based on his college production but questions about his ability to quickly acclimate to the pro game. With Wilson and fellow free agent addition Jameis Winston in place, Dart could afford to sit for a large portion of the campaign. On the other hand, of course, Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen are on shaky ground with respect to their job security.
With pressure no doubt mounting as it pertains to a change on the sidelines and/or in the front office, Dianna Russini of The Athletic confirms (subscription required) Dart taking over at some point is “on the table.” He has a number of supporters within the organization, per Russini. That could lead to a QB change relatively soon depending in large part on how Wilson performs.
On the open market, Wilson took a one-year pact, meaning his future will be linked to his ability to remain atop the depth chart and deliver consistent play under center. Thomas coming back into the fold would be a key development, but in any case the possibility of Dart receiving the reins will continue to make for an interesting storyline to follow.
