The NY Giants named Russell Wilson QB1 for the 2025 season. See how his deep ball will unlock rookie Malik Nabers and revolutionize the offense after a 3-14 year.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The speculation is over, and the new era has officially begun. The New York Giants have named Russell Wilson their starting quarterback, signaling a seismic shift in offensive philosophy. As the team wrapped up its final open practice of training camp on Tuesday, the buzz was palpable, centered on one thing: the potential for explosive plays, a concept that felt like a distant dream during last season's 3-14 campaign.
In 2024, the Giants ranked 30th in explosive play rate (9.9%). Russell Wilson ranked 1st in EPA/attempt on throws of 15+ yards.
The decision to hand the keys to Wilson is a direct bet on his elite deep-ball prowess. Last season, Wilson's accuracy on throws of 15+ yards ranked third in the league, a stark contrast to the Giants' offensive struggles. The primary beneficiary is expected to be rookie wideout Malik Nabers, who has been the undisputed star of training camp. Nabers has consistently made plays and is building a strong rapport with his new QB. After catching just 7 of 29 deep targets in 2024, the LSU product's ability to create separation, a trait Assistant GM Brandon Brown recently praised, will finally be paired with a quarterback who can deliver the ball downfield. The chemistry was on display during the final practice, giving fans a glimpse of a much-needed big-play dimension.
While the passing game generates excitement, questions linger along the offensive line. Right tackle Evan Neal remains on the PUP list after offseason ankle surgery, and Coach Brian Daboll offered no guarantees he'd be ready for Week 1. A brief scare came when lineman Jermaine Eluemunor left a recent practice, but he thankfully posted on social media that he is 'good.' As camp broke for the public, other players made their mark. Veteran returner Montrell Washington made several notable plays, while rookie QB Jaxson Dart, an Ole Miss product, also impressed, showcasing the team's developing depth.
The Giants' rebuild isn't just about veteran acquisitions. The 2025 draft class is expected to make an impact. First-round pick Abdul Carter, an EDGE from Penn State, is projected as a Day 1 defensive contributor. He's joined by a promising group including QB Jaxson Dart, DT Darius Alexander, RB Cam Skattebo, and TE Thomas Fidone II. The selection of Dart in particular provides a potential long-term answer at quarterback, and he's already turning heads as he competes for a backup role.
The optimism of training camp is a welcome change, but the reality of the 2024 season looms large. The Giants finished dead last in the NFC East with a dismal 3-14 record, well behind the Eagles (14-3), Commanders (12-5), and Cowboys (7-10). The climb back to relevance is steep. Adding another layer of complexity is the team's recent NFLPA report card, which saw the Giants fall from 8th to 20th overall. While Daboll and his strength staff earned high marks, players flagged the training and weight rooms as below average, citing a need for more space and updated equipment—a reminder that rebuilding a winner involves more than just on-field talent.
With open practices in the books, the Giants now turn their attention to a new challenge: joint practices with the New York Jets. It will be the first true test for the Wilson-led offense against an opposing defense and a crucial measuring stick for a team desperate to prove that the hope blossoming in August can translate to wins in September.
