Are the Giants ready for a QB change in 2024? Rookie Jaxson Dart is pushing veteran Russell Wilson for the starting job ahead of the season. Read the latest.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
While the Giants are still over a month away from their first preseason snap on August 9th, the biggest battle is already raging in the headlines. The question on every fan's mind: how long until Jaxson Dart is QB1? According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the answer might be 'not long.' Head coach Brian Daboll is reportedly 'particularly enthusiastic' about the rookie he and GM Joe Schoen traded up to select, and while veteran Russell Wilson is slated to start the season, the leash may be shorter than anticipated.
The team is closely monitoring Dart's progress, and a change could come if the offensive line improves and the rookie impresses in camp.
This quarterback intrigue is the centerpiece of an offseason that earned the Giants a respectable B- grade from analysts. GM Joe Schoen orchestrated a significant roster overhaul, but the grade reflects the massive 'what if' at the game's most important position. The decision to draft Dart wasn't just about the future; it was a clear signal that the front office is building a specific type of team. Now, the pressure is on to prove that this new blueprint can elevate the Giants from rebuilding to contending.
For any quarterback to succeed, rookie or veteran, they need their weapons and protection. That's where some concerns are cropping up as training camp approaches. A number of key Giants are nursing injuries, including star receiver Malik Nabers (toe), defensive anchor Dexter Lawrence (elbow), and deep threat Jalin Hyatt (leg). The progress of these players will be critical. The team's ability to get healthy is seen as a major factor in determining when—or if—Dart is ready to be thrown into the fire.
The 2025 schedule will offer no grace period. With a home opener on Sunday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3 and a slate full of tough divisional games against the Cowboys and Eagles, the Giants face one of the league's most difficult schedules. A slow start against this level of competition could amplify the calls for Dart, putting immense pressure on Wilson and the coaching staff from the opening kickoff.
The success of this team hinges on its top-tier talent performing at a high level. Analysts have already begun debating the top five Giants to watch in 2025, a list that invariably includes newcomers like Dart and Nabers alongside established pillars like Dexter Lawrence. For the Giants to exceed expectations, they'll need their best players to stay healthy and lead the charge through their challenging schedule.
As the quiet of late June gives way to the intensity of training camp, the narrative is set. It's more than just drills and conditioning; it's a referendum on the Giants' new direction. All eyes will be on the quarterback dynamic, the health of the team's stars, and whether this revamped roster has what it takes to survive its brutal schedule. The next few weeks won't just shape the depth chart; they'll define the trajectory of the 2025 season.
