Russell Wilson has decided he won’t try to leave the Giants.
After being benched as the Jackson Darts era begins, Wilson expressed that he’s willing to embrace his role as a backup instead of demanding a trade or his release.
“No, I’m focused on helping this team win,” Wilson stated. “I want to be here. I love this organization, the whole process, and the guys in the locker room. I’m not giving up on us or this season.”
Manager Brian Daboll confirmed that Dart will be starting, with Wilson as the backup for the remainder of the season; Jameis Winston will sit at number three.
“Russ was nothing but a professional,” Daboll commented on Wilson’s reaction to the change.
General manager Joe Shane might have ideas about the quarterback situation, particularly if Wilson’s name comes up for a trade. With five teams having gone through backup quarterbacks recently, including the Bengals, who will be without Joe Burrow until December, there could be interest.
“I’m not finished,” Wilson asserted. “I have a lot of belief in myself and know what I can do. Life can feel like a long battle sometimes… it’s like I’m just in round five or six.”
The Giants, currently at 0-3, had emphasized Wilson’s leadership throughout the offseason, so it would have raised eyebrows if he openly sought to leave.
Kirk Cousins, the league’s highest-paid backup, recently requested a trade from the Falcons following a benching.
“Russ came here and brought a different kind of leadership and championship mindset,” said Dexter Lawrence. “I respect him and need to support the next guy.”
After bouncing around four teams in five years, the clock is ticking for the 36-year-old Wilson.
“We don’t dictate who the winners are,” he explained. “Leaders don’t choose when to lead or communicate.”
Recently, Wilson was benched by the Broncos toward the end of the 2023 season as they prepared for his release after he declined to modify his contract’s injury guarantee. At that point, he was acting as the second-string quarterback.
The Giants had faced a similar situation last year, moving Daniel Jones from starter to third string to avoid triggering an injury guarantee, ultimately leading to his release.
Wilson’s benching this time isn’t primarily about his contract—he has a $1.6 million salary that could be traded—but more about his declining performance. The Giants are looking to develop Dart to secure Wilson’s job.
“I think the best way to approach this is to lead directly,” Wilson remarked. “Now it’s really about helping the team and Jackson. I told him, ‘I have your back.’”
His benching came just days after a 450-yard, three-touchdown game against the Cowboys.
“I’m not surprised by anything anymore,” said the ten-time Pro Bowler.
The Giants managed just 15 points in their two previous losses. Wilson has struggled with an 18th-place passing completion rate in the red zone.
“There are a few plays here and there, but the season feels different,” Wilson noted. “I’m not disappointed in the team or myself.”
