With Daniel Jones no longer the centerpiece in New York, the Giants have completely overhauled their quarterback room. As training camp begins, all eyes are on the competition under center. NFL legend John Madden once famously said, “If you have two quarterbacks, you have no quarterback.” The Giants may have three.
According to Pro Football Network, the quarterback situation is the team’s biggest question mark heading into camp. While uncertainty exists, the reality may be more nuanced.
The Giants’ trio includes 36-year-old Super Bowl winner Russell Wilson, whose prime is clearly in the rearview mirror but who still offers solid veteran presence as a transitional starter. Joining him is Jameis Winston, the former No. 1 overall pick now with his fifth NFL team.
And then there’s rookie Jaxson Dart, a first-round pick who impressed at minicamp but remains a developmental prospect at just 22 years old. Despite throwing for over 4,200 yards and 29 touchdowns in his final season at Ole Miss, Dart isn’t yet ready for the NFL spotlight. The plan is for him to sit behind the veterans and grow without being rushed into action.
The Giants are embracing a layered strategy at quarterback—Wilson likely gets the initial nod, Winston serves as a safety net, and Dart is groomed for the future. But should things go sideways, the fanbase could clamor to see the rookie sooner than planned.
Yes, there’s some volatility in the quarterback picture. But that doesn’t necessarily make it the most pressing issue facing the team.
In fact, the offensive line is a bigger concern.
PFN’s criticism of the QB situation overlooks the context—quarterback play is likely to improve after six inconsistent years with Daniel Jones. The real challenge is protecting whoever lines up under center.
New York’s offensive line remains unstable following a 2024 campaign marred by injuries, lack of chemistry, and poor execution. Outside of left tackle Andrew Thomas—who himself has missed 18 games over the past two seasons—the unit lacks a dependable foundation.
Top picks Evan Neal and John Michael Schmitz have yet to meet expectations, and Jon Runyan struggled mightily last year, receiving one of the lowest PFF grades among interior linemen.
Regardless of the quarterback, winning behind a shaky line will be difficult.
Offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo had the unit performing well early last season before injuries took their toll. Rookie Marcus Mbow looks like a late-round steal, and Jermaine Eluemunor was a steady presence last season. Neal’s potential shift to guard could also revive his career, and the return of the original starting five from early last year gives the group some continuity.
Eluemunor and Greg Van Roten joined the Giants this year after playing under Bricillo in Las Vegas, bringing valuable familiarity with the system. That continuity should help the line find its footing in Bricillo’s second season.
The team also strengthened its depth by signing Aaron Stinnie, James Hudson, and Stone Forsythe. With Neal and Joshua Ezeudu now able to rotate, the overall outlook is brighter.
The quarterback competition might dominate the headlines, but the truth is clear: unless the Giants can solidify their protection up front, their season could be over before it starts. Success—or failure—will be decided in the trenches.
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