Giants Quarterback Storm: Why Phil Simms Believes Benching Jaxson Dart Would Be a Catastrophic Mistake

The New York Giants are standing at a crossroads — one side marked by the fading light of an aging Russell Wilson, the other illuminated by the explosive potential of rookie Jaxson Dart. The decision seems obvious to many, yet the franchise has chosen caution as it prepares to open the 2025 season in Washington.

But if Giants legend Phil Simms has his way, this cautious approach won’t last long. And his words weren’t gentle.

“He will play this year. He will start games. And anybody that says, ‘Well, they should just sit him the whole year and let him learn.’ No, no, that is really stupid,” Simms declared, leaving little room for interpretation.

The Giants’ Quarterback Identity Crisis

This isn’t just about one roster decision — it’s about the very future of the Giants. After years of inconsistency under center, New York finally made a bold move, trading up to draft Dart in the first round. The message was clear: this kid is supposed to lead the franchise into a new era.

And yet, despite a preseason where Dart looked poised beyond his years, head coach Brian Daboll is handing the ball to Wilson, a veteran clinging to what’s left of his once-great career.

Simms, who once stood in Dart’s shoes as the Giants’ hopeful young savior, sees no reason to wait. To him, the evidence is already there:

• Dart lit up training camp and preseason, climbing past Jameis Winston on the depth chart.

• His command of the huddle and ability to extend plays impressed teammates and critics alike.

• Most importantly, he looked like he belonged — not just another rookie, but the possible heartbeat of the future.

Why Simms is Sounding the Alarm

Simms isn’t simply hyping a rookie for the sake of headlines. He’s speaking from the perspective of someone who knows what it takes to lead in New York.

“I watched him in practice. I watched him in scrimmages. I never went home thinking, ‘I don’t know about this kid.’ It was always, ‘Wow. He gets it. He connects. He can be really good.’”

The veteran quarterback believes sitting Dart all year would waste valuable development time and stall momentum. Unless Wilson somehow leads the Giants to a miraculous resurgence, Simms thinks delaying the inevitable could cost the team dearly.

The Pulse of Giants Nation

The fanbase is already buzzing, torn between two powerful emotions: nostalgia and hope. On one side, the respect for Wilson’s career lingers. On the other, the hunger for change grows louder each day.

Social media has exploded with highlight reels of Dart’s preseason throws, fans begging the Giants to “let the kid play.” Others urge patience, worried that rushing him could ruin his confidence.

But one thing is clear: Dart has given Giants fans something they haven’t had in years — excitement.

A Franchise on the Edge

The Giants’ upcoming schedule will only amplify the debate. If Wilson falters early, the calls for Dart will grow deafening. Simms believes the team cannot afford to ignore that wave.

The organization didn’t draft Jaxson Dart to sit in the shadows. They drafted him to change the course of Giants football. And every passing week that he’s left holding a clipboard instead of holding the huddle could feel like wasted time.

The Giants aren’t just starting a season. They’re standing on the edge of a new era. And whether by choice or by force, that era belongs to Jaxson Dart.