Russell Wilson makes it clear he’s still the leader of the Giants, embraces Jaxson Dart competition

The New York Giants made a splash in the offseason by signing veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal in March. At 36 and entering his 14th NFL season, Wilson brings a wealth of experience to a team clearly in transition.

But the writing may already be on the wall. Just a month after acquiring the former Super Bowl champion, the Giants made a bold move during the draft—trading back into the first round to select Jaxson Dart at No. 25 overall.

Russell Wilson welcomes Jaxson Dart challenge but stays firm on being the leader

Jaxson Dart’s selection wasn’t just another draft pick; it was a statement. The Giants signaled their intent to find a long-term answer at quarterback, and in doing so, turned every Wilson throw into a potential audition.

The rookie from Ole Miss has quickly become a magnet for attention during offseason practices, while Wilson finds himself navigating the dual role of leader and mentor in what could be a brief tenure in New York.Still, Wilson remains unfazed.“It doesn’t change anything at all,” Wilson said confidently after the team’s sixth OTA practice. “I think the biggest thing is for me is just being my best every day, leading. I always think about just leading everybody, just leading every room, every moment, every time I get to step between the white lines and the opportunity of that.”

That mindset has been a hallmark of Wilson’s career. He famously beat out a highly paid Matt Flynn for the starting job in Seattle as a rookie in 2012, proving that depth charts in the NFL are fluid by nature. Now, more than a decade later, he faces a different challenge: not proving he belongs in the league, but showing he still deserves the starting role, even if the franchise is already thinking long-term.Wilson's signing—worth up to $21 million with $10.5 million guaranteed—made him the presumed starter in a crowded quarterback room that also includes Jameis Winston and Tommy DeVito.

Yet Dart’s arrival shifts the narrative from competition to mentorship. The veteran quarterback appears to be embracing that transition with grace.“Jaxson’s been great, man,” Wilson noted. “He’s a great worker, great teammate. We’re having fun, all of us. We have a really good quarterback room. Guys are so focused and working diligently every day. He’s going to be an extremely, extremely good talent and everything else throughout his career.”Rather than treat the rookie as a threat, Wilson seems invested in his growth. He’s leaning into his leadership role, both vocally and by example, demonstrating the kind of professionalism that could prove invaluable for Dart’s development.“I always share and I always think about communication,” he added. “I’m a big believer in communicating out loud.”For now, Wilson is still QB1. His focus remains squarely on preparation and performance—knowing that in the NFL, nothing is guaranteed.

His words reflect a man who understands the moment, embraces the pressure, and refuses to be distracted by what comes next.“I just think about having success today,” he explained. “It’s always been my approach. Every day is like I’m trying to be the best in the world. I think that for me, mentally, you have confidence in yourself. You have confidence in what you do, your process. I constantly stay the course and understand that if I’m the best me, I know how great that is.”Whether Wilson’s tenure with the Giants becomes a farewell tour or a surprise comeback story, he’s already setting a tone that could shape the franchise’s future—for both himself and the quarterback waiting in the wings.Also Read: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce spark fresh buzz with intimate Palm Beach date night amid career milestones