Russell Wilson expected to become trade target after Giants bench him for Jaxson Dart

Following the New York Giants’ decision to bench him for rookie Jaxson Dart, Russell Wilson said he did not request a trade. That might not stop teams from calling and the rumors from swirling, though.

Wilson is expected to become a trade target this year, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported. He’s likely to become one of the top candidates for a move along with Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins if a quarterback-needy team is looking for a veteran.

The Giants signed Wilson to a one-year, $10.5 million contract in free agency this offseason. Through three games this year, he has completed 59.1% of his passes for 778 yards and three touchdowns, to three interceptions. Of course, his biggest performance came against the Dallas Cowboys when he threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns in an overtime loss.

Giants coach Brian Daboll appears to be looking for a spark on offense by switching to dart amid an 0-3 start to the year. Outside of the Cowboys game – a 40-37 shootout – New York hasn’t reached double-digit points in a game this year.

After learning the news, Russell Wilson had a strong message about his future in the NFL. He made it clear he still has something left in the tank, but wasn’t planning to request a trade as he transitions to the backup role behind Jaxson Dart.

“I’m not done. I got so much belief in myself and know what I’m capable of,” Wilson said. “I believe I was able to show it, especially on the road in Dallas, and everything else. I know I can help this football team if that comes up.

“I think also just for me mentally, just have the best practice, have the best workout session early in the morning, getting here and having the same routine, and just finding every single way to get better. That’s what you can control. You control your attitude, you control your gratitude. Those two things are important to me because I love the game, I love the process, and I respect it.”

Additionally, Wilson had high praise for Dart, whom the Giants traded up to select in the first round. He already sees a promising future in the league for the former Ole Miss star.

“I think he’s going to be a great player,” Wilson said about Dart. “I think he’s competitive. I think he’s smart. He works hard at it. He does a really good job of just taking things in, in terms of experiences and thoughts. He asks good questions and all that, and we give him all the answers we’ve got and everything else. I just think that he’s engaged in the moment, and whatever it takes to help him and help us win.”