Giants WR Issues Sharp Warning as Russell Wilson Benched for Jaxson Dart

The New York Giants announced a major change Tuesday, benching veteran quarterback Russell Wilson in favor of rookie and first-round pick Jaxson Dart.

New York made the switch after an 0-3 start that included two games in which the offense produced fewer than 10 points. Fans at MetLife Stadium booed loudly and chanted for Dart’s elevation into a starting role on Sunday night, as the Giants lost 22-9 to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Dart enters the lineup at a precarious point in the season and with a daunting schedule ahead of him, which includes matchups against the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers and San Francisco 49ers, as well as two contests against the unbeaten Philadelphia Eagles — all within the next six weeks.

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Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton spoke with reporters following the home loss to Kansas City and sent a strong warning to his organization that it must manage Dart’s transition better than it handled the career of former first-round pick Daniel Jones, who’s having a career renaissance with the Indianapolis Colts.

“I’ve kind of said it in the past, but even if you look back at 2019 when we had this similar situation with Eli [Manning] and [Daniel Jones], you know, DJ’s time with [the Giants] didn’t end in an amicable fashion,” Slayton said.

“Probably some of that was the fact that he was thrown in the fire Week 3 my rookie year and was asked to go out there and try to win football games while [he was] still trying to figure the game out.”

Slayton mentioned Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Baltimore Ravens signal-caller Lamar Jackson as players who sat early in their careers and went on to great success.

“They had a chance to grow, had a chance to learn and watch. And ultimately, I want Jaxson Dart to be a perennial All-Pro, Pro [Bowler], Super Bowl-winning quarterback one day,” Slayton continued. “And [Chiefs head coach] Andy Reid thought it worked, and they’ve been to a few Super Bowls in his time, so why not let [Dart] wait while he can wait?”

Slayton uttered those comments before the Giants made the QB switch official, but his advice remains potentially pertinent moving forward.

The 28-year-old wideout then turned his attention toward the fanbase, imploring the Giants faithful to allow Dart space to grow and make mistakes without raining down criticism upon him.

“He’s talented. He’s shown himself to be able to learn fast. I think he’s capable of being an NFL quarterback. I think he’s capable of being a good NFL quarterback,” Slayton said. “Give him some grace. Don’t show up and boo him a game or two in if he doesn’t do well.”

Slayton’s words carry extra weight considering how well Jones is playing with the Colts after the Giants cut the quarterback mid-season last year.

Indianapolis is 3-0, and Jones has completed 71.6% of his passes for 816 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. He has also rushed the football 17 times for 55 yards and three scores.

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