New York Giants' Russell Wilson says he won't request release, trade

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On Wednesday, New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll officially announced they would turn the page and have rookie Jaxson Dart as the team's starter for the remainder of the season. With Dart starting, that also means that 10-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson will now be the team's backup quarterback.

By no surprise, Wilson handled the demotion with nothing but professionalism, as Daboll revealed to reporters.

"In terms of the quarterback situation, I met both with Russ yesterday and Jaxson privately. Russ was nothing but a pro, which I would expect him to be. It's my decision. We're going with Jaxson," he said. "We're going to get him ready to play this week and the remainder of the season. He's going to do everything he can.

"Russ will be the backup. The conversations that I've had with these young men will be private, the details will be private. All I can tell you is we're going with Jaxson, and we're getting ready to play. I'm not going to add too much to it. Those are private conversations; it's my decision, and we're going with Jaxson."

With the team turning the starting role over to Dart, and with Jameis Winston on a two-year deal and set to be the team's backup in 2026, some have wondered about the potential trade market for Wilson.

However, Wilson, who made it clear his playing days are "not done," told reporters he had no intention of requesting a trade or release from the Giants.

"No, I'm focused on helping this team win. I'm focused on helping Jaxson. I'm focused on me getting ready to be the best version of me today on Wednesday. I want to be here. I love this organization. I love the process of it all, I love the guys in the locker room," he said. "I'm not giving up on us in this season. I just don't know any other thought, any other thing, than finding a way through.

"Sometimes you've got to climb under the wall. Sometimes you've got to fight through it. Sometimes there are battles and things that you face in life or in sport. I'm going to help lead the way in every way I can to make sure that we figure that out. The best thing we can do, though, is stay in great belief, in faith in who we are. I think that a few plays here and there, you know, the season's a little bit different. I'm not discouraged about our football team. I'm not discouraged about myself, that's for sure."

It's no surprise that Wilson handled the situation with grace and gratitude and seems focused on helping his successor in any way he can for the remainder of the season.