NY Giants' QB battle intensifies (June 2025) with Wilson, Winston & Dart! Roster shakes up as a tough 2025 schedule looms. Who will lead Big Blue?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Big Blue Nation, buckle up! Thursday brought a whirlwind of news, from a brewing quarterback competition that has everyone talking to significant roster adjustments and a sobering look at the challenging season ahead. While the initial plan seemed to be Russell Wilson leading the charge, the Giants now find themselves with a fascinating QB room featuring veteran Jameis Winston and newly signed first-round pick Jaxson Dart.
Oddsmakers have made them favorites in just one game for the upcoming season.
What started as a clear path for Russell Wilson has morphed into a genuine three-way consideration. With Wilson signed in March, veteran Jameis Winston inked to a two-year deal, and the Giants trading up to snag Ole Miss standout Jaxson Dart in the first round (who recently signed his rookie contract), the quarterback room is suddenly deep and intriguing. While Wilson's experience is undeniable, Winston's potential and Dart's fresh talent mean Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen have options, and perhaps a healthy dose of competition will bring out the best in everyone. Only two 2025 draft picks remain unsigned for Big Blue.
The Giants' front office was busy, designating first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr. and catcher Sam Huff for assignment. Infielder Christian Koss was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento. To fill the gaps, infielder/outfielder Dominic Smith was signed to a one-year Major League contract, while outfielder Daniel Johnson and catcher Andrew Knizner were selected from Triple-A. On the injury front, right-handed pitcher Jordan Hicks landed on the 15-day IL (retroactive to June 2) with right great toe inflammation, sustained against the Marlins on June 1. He's expected to be shut down until mid-June, with Sean Hjelle recalled from Sacramento in his place. Better news for Justin Verlander, however, as the veteran righty threw a bullpen session on June 3 and is progressing well from his pectoral strain, eyeing an early June return after facing hitters next.
Amidst the roster shuffles and injury concerns, there's exciting buzz around two of the Giants' own. Pro Football Focus has spotlighted tight end Theo Johnson and edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux as potential breakout candidates for the 2025 season. As highlighted in the Giants Now column on June 4th, expectations are high for both players to make significant leaps, which would be a massive boost for a team looking to rebound from disappointing recent campaigns. Thibodeaux, in particular, will be crucial for pressuring opposing QBs.
The optimism surrounding player development will be crucial, as the 2025 NFL schedule looks daunting. According to oddsmakers, the Giants are currently favored in just one game for the entire upcoming season. The team's win total has been set at a meager 5.5 games, a tough pill to swallow despite the offseason upgrades orchestrated by GM Joe Schoen and Coach Daboll. The season kicks off with a challenging road game against the Washington Commanders, who made it to the NFC Championship game last year. It's clear the Giants will be underdogs in most matchups.
While the tough schedule is a reality check, the evolving quarterback situation and the potential emergence of young stars like Johnson and Thibodeaux offer glimmers of hope. How this team navigates injuries and develops its talent will define their 2025 campaign. Stay tuned, Giants fans, it's going to be an interesting journey.
