Russell Wilson's Giants Benching for Dart Reportedly Was 'Entirely' Daboll's Call

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll was reportedly the sole decision-maker when it came to benching veteran quarterback Russell Wilson in favor of rookie Jaxson Dart this week.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the choice was "entirely" up to Daboll, as neither ownership nor general manager Joe Schoen pressed the issue and called for Wilson's benching.

Russini added that while some in the organization "raised objections," Daboll is owning the decision he made with an outlook of "put everything on me."

With 10 Pro Bowl selections, two Super Bowl appearances and one Super Bowl win to his credit, Wilson is a potential future Hall of Famer, but he clearly hasn't been the same quarterback he once was during his 10-year run with the Seattle Seahawks.

Since leaving Seattle in 2021, Wilson spent two seasons with the Denver Broncos and one with the Pittsburgh Steelers, delivering mixed results.

He posted a combined record of 17-24 over those three seasons, throwing for 9,076 yards, 58 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. Wilson helped lead the Steelers to the playoffs last season, but they were no match for the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Wild Card Round.

That prompted Pittsburgh to move on from Wilson, paving the way for him to sign with the Giants to serve as a starter and mentor for Dart, who was selected 25th overall in the 2025 NFL draft.

Despite Dart looking like the team's best quarterback throughout the preseason, Daboll went with Wilson as the starter out of the gate, and it led the Giants to an 0-3 start.

Wilson did have one huge statistical game, throwing for 450 yards and three touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2, but he also threw a costly interception in overtime that contributed to Dallas' victory.

▶️ Full Giants-Cowboys Recap

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In Week 3, Wilson struggled to the tune of going 18-of-32 for 160 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions in a 22-9 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

That was apparently the final straw for Daboll, who may be coaching for his job the rest of the season.

Since surprisingly leading the Giants to the playoffs with a 9-7-1 record during his first year at the helm, Daboll has posted a 9-28 record over the past three campaigns.

It is far from guaranteed that Dart will help turn things around, but if the offense shows signs of life with Dart under center, perhaps it will be enough to buy Daboll some time.

Dart's first career NFL start will come Sunday when the Giants host the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers.