Jaxson Dart Shines as Giants Open Training Camp with Optimism and Competition
The New York Giants have kicked off their 2025 NFL training camp with a renewed sense of hope and a clear focus on the future. At the center of that future is rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. A first-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft, Dart is already turning heads. Although Russell Wilson remains the starter, there’s no denying the excitement as Jaxson Dart shines early in camp.
Russell Wilson Still QB1, But Eyes on Dart
Despite the growing buzz around Dart, head coach Brian Daboll made it clear that the veteran Russell Wilson will lead the team as their starting quarterback when the regular season begins on September 7 against Washington. “These guys will be out here competing, but Russ is our starter,” Daboll firmly stated during the opening day of camp.
That doesn’t mean Dart is sidelined. Quite the opposite—Jaxson Dart shines during practices, displaying the raw talent and leadership qualities the Giants were banking on when they moved up in the draft to pick him 25th overall. Wilson, now 36, was signed in the offseason to a deal worth up to $21 million, including $10.5 million guaranteed, providing the Giants with a solid veteran presence while Dart continues his development.
A Reworked Quarterback Room
Following a disappointing 3-14 season, tying for the worst record in the league, general manager Joe Schoen wasted no time overhauling the quarterback room. Only Tommy DeVito remains from last year, with Wilson, Dart, and Jameis Winston all added in the offseason. The Giants have made their intentions clear: build for the future while maintaining veteran leadership.
Scouting Dart at Ole Miss and during spring workouts, the Giants liked what they saw. “You saw leadership, you saw arm talent, you saw athleticism and he’s a rookie,” Schoen commented. “He’s got a long way to go, but he’s in a good spot.”
First Practice: Ups and Downs
During the first official practice, Wilson took all the first-team reps, but Jaxson Dart shines even in his limited opportunities. His first pass in the 11-on-11 drills was intercepted, a typical rookie mistake. However, Wilson quickly encouraged him to stay focused, and Dart responded by throwing a touchdown on the very next play. That resilience is a promising sign for both the coaching staff and fans.
Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence praised the dynamic in the quarterback room: “Russ is a great leader, Jameis is a great leader, and I see them talking to Dart a lot. Russ handles his business really well, and to have those guys mentor him is only helping his development.”
Dart’s Development and the Long-Term Vision
Jaxson Dart shines not only with his play but also in how he handles the pressure of being the quarterback of the future. His composure, athleticism, and strong arm are evident, and the Giants coaching staff is committed to grooming him properly. Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka are working closely with Dart to fine-tune his mechanics and decision-making.
Though there’s no confirmation on whether Dart will be the primary backup over Winston, one thing is clear: the Giants want Dart to succeed and are setting up the infrastructure to make that happen.
Supporting Cast Improvements
Part of ensuring Jaxson Dart shines is surrounding him with talent. Malik Nabers, who had an explosive rookie season with 109 receptions and 1,204 yards, is back in action after recovering from a toe injury that sidelined him during the spring. “My toe’s feeling better. I’m just happy to be out there with my guys,” Nabers said.
Nabers’ performance this season could be critical to both Wilson’s short-term success and Dart’s long-term development. The Giants will monitor his toe closely but are optimistic about his health heading into the season.
Additionally, left tackle Andrew Thomas is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list after Lisfranc surgery last October. GM Joe Schoen is cautiously optimistic: “We anticipate him to be ready for the opener, but we’ll take it day by day.”
Building a Strong Foundation
The Giants are not just looking at wins and losses this season; they are focused on building a strong foundation. The leadership of Russell Wilson is instrumental in this phase. Tight end Chris Manhertz praised Wilson: “Attention to detail, great leader—his leadership kind of permeates throughout the offense.”
While Wilson holds the reins for now, the foundation being laid ensures that when his time is up, Dart will be more than ready to take over. And judging by early signs, that transition could come sooner than later if Jaxson Dart shines consistently throughout training camp and preseason.
A Rookie with Star Potential
Dart’s journey to the NFL wasn’t conventional. After transferring to Ole Miss and putting up impressive stats in college, he showcased enough poise and playmaking ability to become a first-round pick. Now that he’s in New York, the spotlight is intense, but he’s handling it well.
The Giants are cautiously optimistic. They know rushing Dart into action too early could backfire, but they’re also not blind to the potential he’s showing. The phrase Jaxson Dart shines is becoming a regular sentiment around camp, and it’s likely to gain more traction as the preseason progresses.
Final Thoughts
As the Giants enter this new season, there’s a clear theme: optimism. With an experienced veteran in Russell Wilson and a rising star in Jaxson Dart, the quarterback position is finally a point of hope rather than concern.
The team may have finished at the bottom of the league last season, but with leadership, youth, and an eye toward long-term success, things are trending up in New York. And if current trends hold, the story of this training camp might well be summarized in four words:
Jaxson Dart shines bright.