Giants Still Lag Behind Rivals Where It Matters Most originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
New York Giants fans have every right to be optimistic heading into 2025. Freed from the shackles of Daniel Jones, the Giants improved at the most important position by signing quarterback Russell Wilson. Edge rusher Abdul Carter adds a third blue-chip talent to the roster, and the team’s floor feels much higher than yesteryear.
However, a tough schedule dampens that optimism, and for all of its improvements, New York is still well behind its division rivals. The Giants’ schedule is more difficult than their rivals’ because everybody else gets two games with an advantage under center.
Wilson is an upgrade over Jones, Tommy DeVito, and Drew Lock. But the gap between Wilson and Dak Prescott, Jalen Hurts, and Jayden Daniels. For New York’s 2025 hopes, that’s all that matters.
Subsequently, first-round rookie passer Jaxson Dart is the key to the Giants catching their NFC East rivals.
Signed to a $10.5 million deal, Wilson isn’t meant to be the franchise quarterback. He’s the bridge to Dart and a totally viable option for the assignment. That’s not lost on anybody, but his presence is crucial.
Dart is set for a redshirt season, or at least as much as New York can afford. Wilson alleviates that pressure and should win enough games to prevent a complete catastrophe. Jameis Winston, signed to a two-year deal, ensures that even if Wilson goes down, Dart won’t have to start until he’s ready.
Armed with a pair of veteran leaders, a quarterback guru at head coach, and one of the game’s best young receivers, Dart is set up for success. It’s a matter of when, not if, he replaces Wilson – that’s where the fun begins.
The Giants won’t be favored to rise out of last place with Wilson under center. Currently, Dart isn’t helping that mark either. But the path to catching the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders starts with having a quarterback capable of matching the stars competing atop the division.
Nobody knows whether Dart can take that leap and end East Rutherford’s struggles. But he’s the chance the New York faithful have had in some time, and that’s worth getting excited about, regardless of how fans felt ahead of his selection.
Related: Giants Schedule Reveals Potential Dart Debuts
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.