Giants Make Major QB Change: Dart Takes Over for Wilson, Nabers Offers Support
In a significant shift for the New York Giants’ offense, head coach Brian Daboll announced Tuesday that rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart will replace veteran Russell Wilson as the team’s starter. This isn’t a temporary experiment—Daboll confirmed on Wednesday that Dart will remain the starter for the remainder of the 2025 season. The change comes at a pivotal moment for the Giants, particularly for star wide receiver Malik Nabers, who is coming off his most disappointing performance of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he managed just two catches for 13 yards—a stark contrast to his 167-yard, two-touchdown explosion in Week 2.
When asked about the quarterback change, Nabers expressed support for his new signal-caller despite their history as SEC rivals in college. “We have a good relationship,” Nabers told reporters. “I am going to support him, and support everyone on the offense. We got a job to do, and that’s continue to play football.” This positive relationship will be crucial as the Giants move forward with their rookie quarterback, especially considering Nabers’ status as one of the league’s most promising young receivers. As a cornerstone of the franchise’s future, Nabers’ chemistry with Dart could define the Giants’ offensive identity for years to come.
Though Dart hasn’t started an NFL game before this promotion, he’s not entirely unfamiliar with the field. The Giants had already incorporated him into their offensive scheme through specialized packages designed to utilize his skills in specific situations. This limited exposure has given him some valuable game experience, though starting against the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers will present an entirely different challenge. Like any rookie quarterback making his first start, Dart will inevitably face growing pains as he adjusts to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses, particularly against a Chargers unit that ranks among the league’s best.
The Chargers defense presents a formidable first test for Dart, known for their complex coverage schemes and ability to confuse even experienced quarterbacks. Just last week, they limited Denver’s Bo Nix to just 14 completions on 25 attempts for a modest 153 yards. Their defensive secondary employs various looks and disguises that could prove particularly challenging for a rookie quarterback seeing them for the first time. How Dart navigates these obstacles in his debut start will provide valuable insight into his readiness for the NFL level and his potential as the Giants’ long-term solution at quarterback.
Beyond the tactical aspects, this quarterback change appears designed to inject energy into a Giants team and fanbase in need of a spark. Observers have noted that whenever Dart entered games in his limited role, the stadium atmosphere noticeably shifted, with fans responding enthusiastically to the rookie’s presence. With Nabers already established as the franchise’s receiver of the future, the organization clearly hopes they’ve found their quarterback counterpart in Dart. Coach Daboll’s enthusiasm for Dart predates even the NFL Draft—his belief in the young quarterback’s potential reportedly drove the team’s decision to trade back into the first round to select him.
While Nabers has publicly offered his full support for the quarterback change, the true measure of their relationship will emerge on the field in the coming weeks. Their connection could potentially form the cornerstone of the Giants’ offense for years to come if Dart proves capable of handling NFL defenses and consistently getting the ball to his talented receiver. For a franchise looking to build a sustainable contender, the Dart-Nabers combination represents hope for an explosive offensive future. As the rookie prepares for his first start against the Chargers, all eyes will be watching to see if this quarterback change marks the beginning of a new era for the Giants—one built around two young playmakers with complementary talents and seemingly strong mutual respect.
