The Giants' 2024 season hinges on a QB battle. Will veteran Russell Wilson or rookie Jaxson Dart win the starting job? All eyes are on training camp.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The quiet before the storm is over. As the New York Giants prepare to open training camp next week, all eyes are fixed on the single most important position on the field. The quarterback room is a pressure cooker of veteran savvy, rookie hype, and franchise-altering decisions, headlined by the impending battle between newly-acquired Russell Wilson and first-round pick Jaxson Dart. The outcome of this competition will not only decide the Week 1 starter but will set the course for a season where jobs are on the line and patience has worn thin.
My patience is running thin.
The Giants didn't just draft a quarterback; they traded up to secure Jaxson Dart, signaling a clear long-term vision. But the present belongs to Russell Wilson, the veteran brought in to stabilize the offense after a disastrous three-win season. Analysts are already making bold predictions, with some projecting Wilson to win three of the first five games, including a massive test against the Chiefs, while others believe Dart's talent will be undeniable, leading him to finish the year as QB1. Meanwhile, Jameis Winston provides experienced depth, leaving fan-favorite Tommy DeVito as the odd man out, likely destined for the practice squad if he can clear waivers. Coach Brian Daboll has praised DeVito's grasp of the system, but with a roster this tight, keeping four quarterbacks is a luxury the Giants simply can't afford.
The pressure this season extends far beyond the quarterback room. Owner John Mara's stark admission that his 'patience is running thin' puts head coach Brian Daboll squarely on the hot seat. After the highs of his first year and the lows of 2024's three-win campaign, this season is widely seen as make-or-break. Sportsbooks have set the team's win total at a modest 6.5, but there's a belief that the ceiling could be much higher. The key? A defense that some insiders believe could be one of the league's best, especially with the addition of dynamic rookie linebacker Abdul Carter. If the defense clicks and the offense finds its footing, a run at a wildcard spot isn't out of the question. If not, major changes could be on the horizon.
Before any playoff dreams can be realized, the Giants need to get healthy. Several key starters are entering camp with their Week 1 status in doubt. The injury report is a who's who of impact players: Dexter Lawrence (elbow), Andrew Thomas (foot), Malik Nabers (toe), and Jalin Hyatt (leg) are all crucial to their respective units. Also on the mend are D.J. Davidson (shoulder), Jon Runyan (ankle), and linebacker Victor Dimukeje (pectoral). The team's success hinges on having these stars on the field, and their progress will be one of the most closely watched storylines of the entire preseason.
Beyond the headline-grabbing stories, crucial roster spots are up for grabs. The running back room appears set with a three-headed attack of Devin Singletary, Tyrone Tracy Jr., and Cam Scadaboo. However, intense battles are expected at wide receiver and in the secondary. On special teams, the Giants are banking on a comeback from Graham Gano. After being hampered by injuries for two seasons, the veteran kicker is reportedly healthy and ready to reclaim the reliable form that made him a fan favorite. His 81.8% accuracy last season was a step down, and providing stability in the kicking game is a quiet but critical need for a team that expects to play in close contests.
The offseason talk is nearly over. With training camp just a week away, all the speculation, projections, and anxieties will finally meet the reality of the practice field. Will Jaxson Dart push the veteran? Can the defense live up to its elite potential? Is this Brian Daboll's last stand? The answers are coming, and the 2025 season officially begins now.
