Three-time Super Bowl champion and current NFL analyst Mark Schlereth generated headlines when he recently suggested the New York Giants should cut presumed Week 1 starting quarterback Russell Wilson so they can go with rookie Jaxson Dart for their regular-season opener at the Washington Commanders.
For an article published on Thursday, Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic explained why such a drastic and unexpected move would likely be unpopular among Giants players.
“Ask anyone around the Giants about Wilson, and they’ll immediately start talking about his leadership,” Carroll wrote. “…Wilson has made the extra effort, taking the other QBs, offensive linemen and running backs to dinner. He’s organized workouts with skill players in Atlanta, and he orchestrated a private workout with receiver Jalin Hyatt in Los Angeles. (Backup) Quarterback Jameis Winston said Wilson consistently checks in on teammates and sees if they understand concepts and are on the same page.”
Dart raised some eyebrows with his springtime performances and showed he could be ready to face a live defense in a meaningful game as soon as the afternoon of Sept. 7. That said, ESPN’s Jordan Raanan noted on July 24 that “there were also indications that [Dart is] a rookie quarterback with plenty to learn, with him holding on to the ball too long at times.” Carroll added that Dart “tossed a few interceptions” during workouts open to media members.
Carroll was also sure to point out that Wilson is the Giants’ “clear starter” heading into training camp. As of Thursday afternoon, FanDuel Sportsbook listed Wilson as a -1400 betting favorite to be New York’s Week 1 QB1. To compare, Dart was at +1060 odds to win the gig.
Giants head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen have made it known they want Dart to develop as a backup, in part because Daboll and Schoen believe Wilson gives the club the best chance to win games in September. The situation could change if the Giants open the campaign with a handful of losses, but those thinking Dart could leapfrog Wilson on the depth chart via a few outstanding preseason performances may want to put that idea to bed until further notice.
