When Russell Wilson signed the one-year deal with the New York Giants, he had posted “already home” on his Instagram. He had some unforgettable moments at MetLife as Wilson won Super Bowl XLVIII at that stadium. He acknowledged it after joining hands with Big Blue, “Some of my most fond memories of this game that I poured my heart and soul into every day happened right here in MetLife Stadium.”

Now, after three hard-fought games and a 0-3 record, the page is turning again. Wilson’s star moment seems like a ghost of what was, as rookie Jaxson Dart steps into the spotlight. Yet the question remains: what’s next for Wilson?

Wilson was asked if he would request a trade or release after being benched by the Giants. But Russ isn’t backing down on his role in the team. His answer was crystal clear: “I’m focused on helping this team win, I’m focused on helping Jaxson. I’m focused on me getting ready to be the best version of me today. And so, I wanna be here.”

After a mixed bag in the first three games, the Jaxson Dart era has officially kicked off. But Russ still believes in this organization. “I love this organization, I love the process of it all, love the guys in the locker room, I’m not giving up on us in this season. I don’t know any other thought, any other thing than finding a way through.” However, the issue is that Russ isn’t wired to live life on the sidelines. 

Wilson’s $10.5 million contract for 2025 keeps some doors open, with performance incentives locked behind playing time and wins. But sitting means missing out on big chunks of cash and fading from the field’s center stage. So, the team that could bank on Wilson at this moment is the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals, his hometown team, lost their starter to injury, and the Jake Browning experiment isn’t working well, so that makes them a potential trade destination.

Still, Russell Wilson’s focus is on making it through these difficult times and watching Big Blue win, no matter what. “Sometimes you gotta climb under the wall, sometimes you gotta fight through it, sometimes there’s battles and things that you face in life or in sport. And I’m gonna help lead the way in every way I can to make sure that we figure that out.” 

For now, Wilson’s answer is faith and focus. “The best thing we can do though, is stay in great belief and faith of who we are…I’m not discouraged about our football team, I’m not discouraged about myself, that’s for sure,” Russell concluded.

Moving forward, the Giants have placed their hopes on Dart’s arm and legs, betting on fresh talent to jumpstart an offense that stalled too long under Wilson’s watch. And here’s the first message from a veteran to a rookie.

Russell Wilson’s simple message to Dart

While Wilson confessed his feelings about being benched with blunt honesty, he also had a short message for Dart: “I want to help Jaxson every way I can.” The 22-year-old is stepping into one of the toughest gigs in the NFL, the starting QB role for a struggling team. 

Dart earned the starting QB spot because he hit every marker that coach Brian Daboll and his staff set. He showed poise, quick learning, and sharp decision-making. On the other hand, Wilson has struggled through the first three games with throwing the ball. Some even believe that if there were an open competition during the offseason between the two QBs, Dart would have won outright.

The rookie brings toughness and mobility, adding fresh dimensions, especially near the red zone, where the team has been weak. This opportunity is giving Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka the flexibility to expand the playbook. And Dart’s athleticism makes it possible.

After all, Kafka has experience guiding young QBs like Patrick Mahomes, and the hope is that Dart can translate that developmental success to blue pinstripes. The Giants need a spark, and Dart is that chance to turn the page on veteran decline and search for offensive stability.

So, now it’s Dart’s turn to shake things up against an undefeated Chargers. But Wilson’s story isn’t finished yet. The next chapter? Only time and the remaining weeks before the trade deadline will tell.