Steelers Now
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson may have a quarterback competition on his hands in New York, as early reports suggest rookie Jaxson Dart is quickly adjusting to the NFL game.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport recently weighed in on the Giants’ quarterback situation, saying, “You listen to everything Brian Daboll says, you get an understanding of how far along Jaxson Dart is, and where you think he’s going to go. It’s clearly a matter of when, not if.”
The Giants traded up to select Dart in the first round at 26, signaling he was always part of their long-term vision. Still, many assumed Wilson, signed this offseason, would be the short-term answer while Dart developed behind the scenes. But if early buzz is any indication, Wilson’s time as the starter could be shorter than expected.
Wilson, 36, showed he still had something left in the tank last season with the Steelers, throwing 16 touchdown passes in 11 starts. His deep ball remains dangerous, but he’s no longer the elite improviser he once was in Seattle during their Super Bowl runs. It’s also worth noting Pittsburgh stuck with Wilson for most of the year, even with Justin Fields on the roster, unless injury forced a change.
Dart, meanwhile, was heavily linked to Pittsburgh throughout the pre-draft process. He capped off a stellar senior season at Ole Miss with over 4,000 passing yards and looked the part of an NFL-ready prospect. The early optimism surrounding him in New York is encouraging for his future, but the Giants’ recent track record with quarterbacks warrants caution.
In 2023, the Giants handed Daniel Jones a four-year, $160 million extension. A year later, they benched and ultimately released him.
It’s uncommon for rookie quarterbacks, especially those taken outside the top 10, to start Week 1. The jump from college to the NFL is steep, both mentally and physically. But given Dart’s trajectory and Wilson’s recent limitations, the Giants could be staring down a true quarterback battle in training camp.
And if Dart continues to impress, don’t be surprised if the Russell Wilson era in New York ends before it ever truly begins.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Insider Expects Russell Wilson to Lose Giants Starting Job
