Russell Wilson's last shot could take down Brian Daboll and the New York Giants
But three years later, the narrative has shifted sharply. After two straight losing seasons and one failed bet on Daniel Jones, Daboll's seat is scorching hot. His latest move—handing the offense to
Russell Wilson
on a one-year flyer—looks less like a rebuild and more like a last-ditch effort to delay the inevitable. With pressure mounting, a brutal early-season schedule, and a rookie waiting in the wings, this might be Daboll's final stand in New York.
Russell Wilson's deal flops,
Jaxson Dart
emerges — and Brian Daboll's job could vanish fast
Russell Wilson
's deal with the Giants is telling. Signed to a one-year, $10.5 million contract—with just $8 million guaranteed—the structure screams "temporary fix." The rest of the money depends on incentives that few believe he'll hit. As Fansided's Lou Scataglia put it, 'When you consider that the Giants do seem to plan on starting him, you also have to consider that the leash might not be all that long.'
Wilson's bonuses include $176,471 per win (if he plays over 50% of the snaps) and another $1.5 million for playing at least 85% of the season.
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It's the kind of deal that keeps options open—because the Giants already drafted his likely successor. Third overall pick Jaxson Dart is waiting, and if the team struggles early, the switch could come fast.
And struggle seems likely. The Giants open the 2025 season with a brutal eight-week stretch that includes games against Washington, Dallas, Kansas City, and the reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles—twice. With the franchise already reeling from back-to-back 9–25 seasons, another slow start could be catastrophic.
Vic Tafur of The Athletic warned about Wilson's fit in Daboll's system, writing, 'Wilson will be a nice improvement over Daniel Jones… but like Rodgers, Wilson doesn't move around so well anymore and will be a sitting duck for pass rushers and boo birds.' That lack of mobility shows in the numbers. Wilson posted an 8.9% sack rate last season—proof that he's no longer escaping pressure the way he once did.
Jaxson Dart pressures Russell Wilson as Brian Daboll's job hangs in the balance
While the Giants do have a respected defensive front—something Tafur also highlighted—it may not be enough to offset an underperforming offense.
Wilson's most recent season in Pittsburgh was efficient but uninspiring: 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Numbers that keep you in the conversation, but don't scare opposing defenses.
Dart's presence changes everything. As a top-three pick, his debut isn't a matter of
if
, but
when
. Meanwhile, backup Jameis Winston offers a quicker in-season pivot if Wilson falters before Dart is ready. As Scataglia noted, this may be Wilson's final shot as an
NFL
starter.
If things fall apart in New York, he could be relegated to backup roles moving forward.
And then there's Daboll, who has even more on the line. Giants owner John Mara has already made his frustration public, saying he's 'just about run out of patience.' That's not subtle. Daboll is now tied to the fate of a 35-year-old quarterback on a short leash, with little margin for error and no guarantees past 2025.
The Giants didn't just sign Russell Wilson. They signed the idea of buying time. But time might be the one thing Brian Daboll doesn't have. If New York stumbles through the early part of the season, both Wilson and Daboll could be out before the snow hits MetLife Stadium. The clock is already ticking—and everyone in the building hears it.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers are betting big on 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers—but only Tom Brady has ever pulled it off
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