Giants name Dart starting QB for rest of season

The New York Giants will start rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart for the rest of the season, beginning Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, head coach Brian Daboll confirmed Wednesday.

"We're going with Jaxson," Daboll said, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. "We had a private conversation, it was my decision." Daboll added that he expects Russell Wilson to serve as Dart's backup for the rest of the season, according to Fox Sports' Ralph Vacchiano.

New York traded up in the first round to select Dart 25th overall in the 2025 draft out of Ole Miss. He's played six offensive snaps this year, but Sunday will be his first career start.

The 22-year-old was the Rebels' starting quarterback for three seasons. Dart led the SEC last campaign in completion percentage (69.3%) and passing yards (4,279) while recording 32 total touchdowns.

Wilson started the first three games of 2025 for the winless Giants. The veteran had a solid Week 2 performance but struggled Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. He completed 56% of his throws for 160 yards and two interceptions in the loss.

Wilson signed a one-year, $10-million contract to be the Giants' starting signal-caller. The 10-time Pro Bowler spent the 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading them to the playoffs with a 6-5 record.

Daboll didn't dismiss the possibility of benching Wilson following Sunday's loss, and fans chanted "We want Dart" at MetLife Stadium.

New York's offense has struggled under Daboll in recent years with Wilson, Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito, and Tyrod Taylor all getting multiple starts since 2023. During that stretch, the passing attack ranks 29th in success rate and 30th in EPA/play, according to Ben Baldwin's database.

The Chargers' defense will be a tough test for Dart in his first career start; the unit sits in the top 10 in yards allowed and points per game surrendered through three weeks.