"Cut Russell Wilson" - Mark Schlereth pressures Giants to prioritize Jaxson Dart over sticking with veteran favorite QB

Since Jaxson Dart was drafted in the first round by the New York Giants, Russell Wilson has constantly been assured as the Giants' Week 1 starter. Although there are clamours from the fan base to watch the young quarterback, New York's brass has been clear that the rookie won't play in 2025.

The excitement for a new first-round quarterback always brings renewed hope for fans of a franchise. Dart, however, was considered by most of the analysts as a passer who would need time to get acclimatized to the NFL rhythm. Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll's stance confirmed those views.

Not everyone is convinced, however, that this is the way to go. Former NFL quarterback and current analyst Mark Schlereth is more direct with his views for the Giants' plan, and he doesn't want to hear anything about sitting the rookie: he wants Dart to be their starter in Week 1.

"The Giants should cut Russell Wilson and start Jaxson Dart," he said on Breakfast Ball on FS1. "You start your rookie and you go with the growing pains and you understand that you're not going to the playoffs right now.

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"You do have a great defense, which is one of the best things you can give a young quarterback. I think it's just time to rip off the Band-Aid and say, 'Jaxson Dart, you're our guy.'"

The rookie has worked primarily with the second team during minicamps, with Wilson and Jameis Winston ahead of him in the depth chart. His first reps during minicamp were with the third team.

Giants general manager Joe Schoen backs Russell Wilson as starter for Week 1

After Dart was drafted, Brian Daboll instantly said that the veteran would start for his team. A few days later, the general manager reaffirmed the plan during an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio.

"Daboll came out and said, Russell is the starter, and we've been through this. Jaxson's going to come in, and he's got to learn the offense. There's a lot to learn," Joe Schoen said.

Russell Wilson signed a one-year deal with the Giants, while Jameis Winston signed a two-year deal. None of the veterans are considered long-term options for the franchise.

Edited by Ruth John S