The New York Giants kicked off their 2025 training camp on July 22, and the quarterback debate isn’t just a hot topic among fans, it’s the storyline to watch in East Rutherford. With three names in the mix: veteran Russell Wilson, the former No. 1 pick Jameison Winston, and this year’s first-round rookie Jaxson Dart—the big question heading into camp was who would be QB1. Head coach Brian Daboll wasted no time quelling rumors: “Russell Wilson is the clear cut starter for the Giants,” Daboll said, according to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. “These guys will be out here competing but Russ is our starter.”
It’s not a total shocker. Wilson comes in with a loaded resume: 10 Pro Bowls, a Super Bowl win, and a reputation for delivering in big moments. At 36, though, everyone knows he’s not the long-term answer for a franchise looking to chart a new course. That spotlight now shines on Jaxson Dart, the 22-year-old selected 25th overall out of Ole Miss, who many believe could be the Giants’ future under center.
Here’s the real dilemma: The Giants’ brass—Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen—are coming off some tough years, surviving a woeful 3-14 campaign last season and a 6-11 stumble before that. In NFL circles, that kind of skid tightens the leash, and it’s pretty clear the mandate for this season is simple: win now, or pack your bags. The quickest way back to the playoff chase? Lean on Wilson’s veteran savvy.
Russ hasn’t turned back the clock to his peak Seattle days, but he’s still been a steady hand. Across his stops in Denver and Pittsburgh the past two seasons, he posted a .500 record (13-13)—not elite, but a clear step up from what the Giants have rolled out lately. Also, Brian Daboll built his reputation boosting the careers of QBs like Josh Allen and, even if briefly, Daniel Jones. If he can wring a little magic from Wilson, a playoff berth isn’t out of the question.
But Giants fans are always hungry for more than just a wildcard spot—they want a team that can contend, not just participate. For that, developing Jaxson Dart is the real key. He’s got the tools and the draft pedigree, but giving a rookie the reins inevitably comes with bumps in the road. That’s a luxury this regime can’t really afford right now, not with their jobs on the line.
So for now, the path is clear. The Giants are rolling with Russell Wilson to stabilize the ship and put up wins. But keep an eye on MetLife Stadium this fall—if the offense sputters or the season starts slipping, you can bet the calls for Dart will get louder with every incomplete pass. The Giants’ future may be on the bench, but their present is all about survival. And in the NFL, that’s a story as old as training camp itself.
