His tenure as starting quarterback for the New York Giants was short-lived and ended in bitter disappointment, but Russell Wilson has broken his silence about how a hidden injury hampered his chances of fending off rookie Jaxson Dart.
Wilson spoke with reporters on Monday, January 5, the day after Dart led the Giants to a 34-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys to close a 4-13 season. The 10-time Pro Bowler revealed “he tore his hamstring (grade two) the Friday before the #Cowboys game — the final play of practice. He still played,” per SNY.tv’s Connor Hughes, who also pointed out how Wilson “got one more start (vs Chiefs) then the #Giants benched him for Jaxson Dart.”
Being sent to the bench was a blow for the 37-year-old, but Wilson gave an emphatic answer to any rumors he might call time on his NFL career. The Super Bowl winner simply and firmly said “No!” when asked “if he sees any scenario he doesn’t play next year,” per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.
He may not see retirement in his near future, but it’s difficult to envisage Wilson remaining with the Giants through 2026. Not when he’s a free agent, and not when Dart’s potential is endorsed by a franchise great.
Russell Wilson Played His Best Game for Giants Before Injury
There’s a cruel irony about Wilson damaging his hamstring before he played his best game in a Giants uniform. It came against the Cowboys in Week 2, when the veteran threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns to send a message to his already growing number of critics.
Yet, as well as Wilson played, the Giants were already steadily integrating 2025 NFL draft first-round pick Dart into the offense. He went from running a select package of plays to being the starter once Wilson was booed throughout a risk-averse showing against the Kansas City Chiefs a week later.
Being relegated to QB2 wasn’t the first setback for Wilson. He stayed on the bench when fellow backup Jameis Winston stepped in for Dart against the Detroit Lions in Week 12.
Winston’s presence is the biggest determining factor in the Giants likely parting ways with Wilson. They handed Winston a two-year deal last offseason, a move widely praised.
Having some experience around Dart is a blueprint other teams are urged to follow. This setup served Dart well, but now the former Ole Miss star must take the next step to power yet another Giants rebuild.
Spotlight Now Belongs Solely to Jaxson Dart
The job was already Dart’s to lose, but he’ll get all of the spotlight to himself if he’s not sharing it with a signal-caller with former Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos starter Wilson’s CV.
It’s a different kind of pressure, scrutiny Dart has to handle if he’s going to be what the Giants hope for at football’s most important position. Doubts have already been expressed about his mechanics, as well as about the 22-year-old’s effective but reckless running style.
While Dart does need to make better decisions under pressure, he’s young enough to learn good habits from the right coaching staff and supporting cast. The latter shouldn’t be a problem once rookie running back Cam Skattebo and Pro Bowl wide receiver Malik Nabers are healthy.
They’ll join dual-threat back Tyrone Tracy Jr. and 1,000-yard wideout Wan’Dale Robinson, provided he’s re-signed before free agency, to give Dart a formidable contingent of dynamic weapons.
What he’ll need just as much is patient and consistent tutoring from whoever replaces interim head coach Mike Kafka. Winston’s voice will also continue to help, but Dart is likely to embark on the next chapter of his Giants career without Wilson.
Giants QB Russell Wilson Reveals Hidden Injury, Retirement Plans