Introduction
When fans tune in to watch the New York Giants, one question echoes across sports newsfeeds: Why is Russell Wilson not playing today? The former Super Bowl champion and ten-time Pro Bowler found himself benched in the favor of rookie Jaxson Dart midway through the 2025 season. This dramatic shift has reignited debates about Wilson’s future, his short-term Giants contract, and whether this season marks a turning point in his career.
In this article, we will explore:
-
The reasons behind Wilson’s current absence from the active lineup
-
How his contract with the Giants is structured
-
The implications for his future in the league
-
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Let’s dive in.
1. The backstory: Russell Wilson’s journey to the Giants
Russell Wilson has had a long and storied NFL career. After rising to prominence with the Seattle Seahawks and leading them to a Super Bowl XLVIII win, he moved on to stints with the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers.
In March 2025, Wilson signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants reportedly worth $10.5 million, with potential incentives pushing it higher.
The hope was that Wilson’s veteran leadership and experience would stabilize a franchise seeking to return to relevance. The Giants also added wide receiver talent and brought in Jameis Winston to bolster depth at quarterback.
In training camp and preseason, there was speculation over how Wilson would mesh with the team, how much mobility he still had as a passer, and whether younger quarterbacks would eventually challenge his role.
2. Why is Russell Wilson not playing today?
The headline question — why Wilson is not playing today — has multiple facets. The short answer: he’s been benched in favor of the rookie Jaxson Dart, and that decision appears performance + strategic rather than due to injury. Let’s break it down.
2.1 Poor performance & inconsistency
In the early weeks of the 2025 season, Wilson’s performance was uneven:
-
At times, he showed flashes of brilliance — for example, a 450-yard, 3-touchdown game against the Cowboys.
-
But those strong outings were offset by games where his completion percentages were low, turnovers were costly, and downfield passing was inconsistent.
-
In Week 3 vs. the Chiefs, he reportedly completed a modest percentage, had multiple interceptions, and underwhelmed in key moments — prompting louder fan backlash.
Coaches, front office staff, and analysts saw that sticking with Wilson could continue to stall the offense, especially given that Wilson’s mobility and consistency had declined with age.
2.2 The rise of Jaxson Dart & decision to bench
Given Wilson’s struggles, head coach Brian Daboll made the bold decision to start Jaxson Dart, a first-round rookie quarterback.
Key points in the decision:
-
After three consecutive losses under Wilson, Daboll benching him was billed as a necessary pivot to spark the team.
-
In Week 4, Dart took over and led the Giants to a victory over the previously undefeated Chargers — a signal that the team believed in his upside.
-
Despite further losses, the Giants opted to continue with Dart as their starter for Week 6 and beyond.
-
Reports indicate that Wilson was still present, warming up on the sidelines, and had not been ruled out for injury — affirming that the move was strategic, not medical.
2.3 Not due to injury
There is no credible reporting of a significant injury sidelining Wilson. Instead, media coverage consistently frames the benching as a performance-based, tactical choice.
In fact, Wilson was seen warming up before games, indicating that he remains physically available to play if called upon.
3. Russell Wilson’s Giants contract: key details
Understanding why Wilson is benched also requires looking at how his contract is structured, what protections the Giants have, and what that means for his future.
3.1 Base salary, guarantees, and incentives
-
Wilson’s base contract with the Giants for 2025 is ~$10.5 million.
-
Of that amount, reports suggest $10.5 million guaranteed, plus an $8 million signing bonus (or partial bonus structure depending on source).
-
The deal also contains incentives that could push total compensation up (some reports say up to $21 million under the right conditions).
The guarantees provide Wilson with a safety net; even if benched, he retains income. But the Giants also structured the deal to limit downside and preserve flexibility.
3.2 Contract length & expiration
-
Wilson’s deal with the Giants is only for one season (2025).
-
Thus, after this season, he becomes a free agent unless re-signed or given an extension.
Because it’s a short-term contract, the Giants face low risk in benching or even trading him if the opportunity arises.
3.3 Trade possibility & salary obligations
Even though Wilson is currently benched, he may still carry trade value. Some relevant considerations:
-
Reports suggest the Giants are open to trading Wilson, though they are not actively shopping him as of early October 2025.
-
If a trade occurs, the acquiring team would only be responsible for the prorated portion of his remaining salary.
-
Some sources suggest that any trade pick return would likely be late, Day 3 draft capital.
Because the guarantees are already baked in, the Giants’ financial burden in minimizing Wilson’s playing role is limited. They prioritized team performance over strict adherence to a veteran’s role. Russell Wilson not playing today.
4. What this decision signals — implications & outlook
Benching a player of Wilson’s stature is a bold move. It carries implications — for the Giants, for Wilson’s legacy, and for the quarterback landscape in the NFL.
4.1 For the Giants
-
The switch to Dart underscores that the Giants are prioritizing youth and upside over veteran tenure.
-
It signals a lack of patience with underperformance, even from big-name investments.
-
It frees up flexibility: if Wilson recovers or a trade arises, the team can pivot.
-
It may influence how other veteran quarterbacks are viewed league-wide in similar transitional situations.
4.2 For Wilson’s legacy & future
-
At age 36 (in 2025), Wilson is no longer the dual-threat dynamic of his prime. The benching reinforces the notion that every NFL career has a shelf life.
-
However, maintaining his integrity, supporting Dart, and accepting a backup role could temper narrative damage. Reports indicate Wilson has accepted his demotion and is focused on contributing in whatever way possible.
-
Should a somewhere-but-desperate team require a veteran presence midseason, Wilson may still find suitors, especially as an insurance quarterback.
-
Post-2025, he will enter free agency — which may represent a crossroads: retire, sign a backup deal, or perhaps retool his role (e.g. mentoring, broadcasting).
4.3 Risks and critiques
-
Some critics will point to poor decision-making in establishing Wilson as a long-term solution given his performance decline.
-
Others may argue the Giants bet incorrectly in giving Wilson the starting role in the first place.
-
If Dart fails, Wilson’s benching may be second-guessed, especially in retrospect.
-
Wilson’s confidence and market perception may take a hit if no team signs him next.
Still, the benching underscores a modern NFL reality: performance and forward-looking builds can outweigh star power and reputation.
5. What’s next — scenarios to watch
Here are several plausible scenarios for how the rest of 2025 and beyond might unfold:
-
Wilson regains starting role midseason
If Dart stumbles, the coaching staff might revert to Wilson, especially in must-win stretches. -
Wilson remains a backup, limited snaps
He may serve as insurance, mentor, or spot-starter, seeing limited game action. -
Wilson is traded before the deadline
A quarterback-needy team might acquire him for depth. The Giants might recoup a late-round pick. -
No trade, Wilson completes the season with Giants
He finishes out the contract, then enters free agency in 2026. -
Retirement or career pivot
If no contract arises, Wilson may choose to retire or explore off-field roles.
Which scenario plays out will depend on Dart’s performance, team needs, and whether Wilson can still show flashes that tempt teams around the league.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is Russell Wilson injured or rehabbing anything?
A: No. Reports indicate Wilson is healthy; his absence from the lineup is performance-based, not injury-related.
Q2: Who is Jaxson Dart, and why was he chosen to replace Wilson?
A: Jaxson Dart is a rookie quarterback drafted by the Giants in 2025 (first round). The coaching staff saw promise in his upside, mobility, and developmental potential. After Wilson struggled and the team started 0–3, Dart was given the nod.
Q3: Does Wilson still get paid if he’s benched?
A: Yes. His contract includes guaranteed money and a signing bonus, so being benched does not eliminate his salary for 2025.
Q4: Can Wilson be traded?
A: Yes. The Giants have reportedly made him available, though they are not actively shopping him yet. Any acquiring team would owe only the prorated portion of the salary.
Q5: What happens after the 2025 season?
A: Wilson’s contract expires. He becomes a free agent and may choose to sign with another team, re-sign with the Giants, or retire depending on interest and his own assessment of opportunity.
Q6: Could Wilson’s benching affect Hall of Fame or legacy perceptions?
A: Possibly, but legacy is built on seasons and accomplishments. While being benched is a negative footnote, Wilson’s overall career — Pro Bowls, Super Bowl, consistency — will remain central to his legacy. Russell Wilson not playing today.
Conclusion
Why is Russell Wilson not playing today? The decision is not about injury — it’s about performance, team direction, and strategic recalibration. His benching in favor of rookie Jaxson Dart highlights the Giants’ willingness to pivot quickly in pursuit of future success.
In terms of contract, Wilson’s guaranteed money cushions the blow, and the one-year deal minimizes risk for New York. The flexibility built into the contract enables trade possibilities and preserves options both for Wilson and the franchise.
What remains to be seen is whether Wilson can fight his way back into the mix this season — or whether this signals a new chapter in his career trajectory. Either way, the move is a dramatic moment in the 2025 NFL season and a case study in how even veteran superstars are not immune to performance demands.
