The national narrative doesn’t support the idea that Russell Wilson could thrive with the New York Giants. Before the veteran gets under center for regular-season football, it’s already assumed he’ll be holding the clipboard soon enough.
Two factors play into that thought. The first being that Wilson hasn’t exactly had a handful of strong campaigns as of late. Following a forgettable stint with the Denver Broncos and a small stretch with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Wilson is battling the “washed” narrative as a veteran quarterback.
The second factor? Jaxson Dart. Whenever a franchise drafts a new quarterback in the early rounds, it leaves a fan base hungry to see the youngster in action right away. The hype gets fed by strong offseason performances as well. A strong spring for Dart has placed an obstacle in the face of Wilson.
Read More: NFL Analyst Makes Massive Jaxson Dart-Russell Wilson Claim
One New York Giants insider doesn’t want to add fuel to the narrative. In fact, he shifted it. After seeing a good portion of spring practice sessions, NorthJersey.com’s Art Stapleton believes that Wilson isn’t getting enough credit for what he put on display throughout his first offseason in New York.
“The most impressive Giants offensive player this spring from start to finish based on what I saw and through reporting is not who I thought it would be back in April,” Stapleton wrote. “All those being honest should give the same answer: It was Russell Wilson.”
“I admit it: would have been sooooo easy to just continue with the narrative that Russell Wilson is washed and Giants should move to Jaxson Dart right now as QB1,” Stapleton continued. “But if I did that, it’d be so disingenuous.”
I admit it: would have been sooooo easy to just continue with the narrative that Russell Wilson is washed and Giants should move to Jaxson Dart right now as QB1 … but if I did that, it’d be so disingenuous. I like everything I have seen from Dart, so that’s not it. https://t.co/QPO7NUTvFy
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) June 24, 2025
That’s not to say that the Dart praise is a bunch of manufactured hype to fan the flames in the Wilson buzz. The Giants Insider added that he has liked “everything” seen from Dart this spring.
But it seems Wilson’s experience, with gas left in the tank, is just simply looking better. If that wasn’t the case in OTAs and Minicamp, then the Giants would probably have to feel very worried after investing over $10 million in Wilson for the year.
Read More: Jaxson Dart Makes Noteworthy Leap on NY Giants’ Depth Chart
As the Giants believe they can put up a strong fight in the NFC this season, it made sense for them to get an experienced passer under center, even if it’s just for the year. New York just has to remain hopeful that Wilson can silence the noise that the acquisition of Dart brings.
Last year, Wilson started 11 games for the Steelers. He completed 64 percent of his passes, throwing for over 2,400 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He went to the Giants, looking forward to playing with one of the most prolific young wideouts in Malik Nabers. Despite the national narrative, it sounds like the Giants are sold on the Wilson-Nabers duo, while Dart learns from the side, for the time being.
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