Can the Giants’ new starter prove the skeptics wrong?
The New York Giants have brought in three quarterbacks since the end of the 2024 season.
Over the course of free agency and the draft, the Giants added Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and Jaxson Dart. There won’t, however, be a dramatic quarterback competition in training camp. The Giants have already said that Wilson — a former Super Bowl champion, All Pro, and 10-time Pro Bowl selection — will be their starter for 2025.
That decision has been met with a certain amount of skepticism from around the media landscape.
The skepticism was crystalized by Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports, who ranked Wilson 28th out of 32 starting quarterbacks in the NFL.
Benjamin writes,
28. Russell Wilson, New York Giants QB
The favorite to headline the Giants’ rebooted quarterback room to start 2025, Wilson flashed his trademark play-action heaves in Pittsburgh before reverting to a more sluggish form befitting his age (36). His presence at least means New York shouldn’t have to rush Jaxson Dart into action.
It’s true enough that Wilson isn’t what he used to be. There was a time, not all that long ago, when Russ was one of the very best quarterbacks in the NFL
But 28th in the NFL? Behind J.J. McCarthy (20th) or Cam Ward (25th), neither of whom have played a snap of regular season football in the NFL?
28th? Behind Kyler Murray (23rd) and Justin Fields (24th), who have flashed potential but have yet to play anything like consistent football?
28th, behind Caleb Williams (16th), Drake Maye (19th), Bryce Young (26th), and Michael Penix Jr. (27th), none of whom have done much of anything in the NFL.
C’mon man!
Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll are apparently far higher on their offensive talent than pretty much anyone else, and seem to believe that the quarterback position has limited the offense. The general belief seems to be that their offense, which scored a paltry 14.25 points per game outside of their outburst against the Colts, is really just a quarterback away from catching fire.
The Giants don’t need Wilson to be as great as he was in the first two thirds of his career. They just need him to be consistent and competent, which he’s certainly still capable of being. There’s also evidence that Wilson is still capable of pushing the ball downfield, as both Next Gen Stats and PFF rank him among the best and most efficient quarterbacks when throwing more than 10 yards downfield.
Those plays are what the Giants’ offense has largely lacked over the last few years. We’ve seen flashes of potential when they’ve been there, but never consistently. Perhaps letting Russ cook will vindicate the Giants’ faith in their skill position players.
Really, it doesn’t matter what CBS Sports — or anyone else — thinks of Wilson in May, June, or July. What matters is whether he’s able to allow the offense to function as intended, and keep the pressure off of Jaxson Dart.
If so, he’s doing exactly his job and we might finally get to see this offense consistently play up to its potential. And Wilson will prove the doubters wrong in the process.
