News Article
Published
Oct 21, 2026 at 10:49 AM EDT
Russell Wilson ended his NFL career with the New York Giants last year as a bridge starter to Jaxson Dart.
The retired quarterback gave a blueprint for how his former team should handle its latest quarterback controversy.
John Harbaugh benched Jameis Winston after the veteran threw two interceptions in Sunday's loss to the New Orleans Saints. J.J. McCarthy made an immediate impact in his Big Blue debut, leading a furious comeback bid with 243 passing yards, a touchdown, and a pick in the fourth quarter.
The Week 6 conclusion has many observers clamoring to see the Giants start McCarthy. However, Wilson explained why he would stick with Winston this Sunday against the Houston Texans.
"I think that, before you jump the bridge to J.J. McCarthy, you may have to give Jameis Winston one more shot, one more look at it to make sure," Wilson said on his "Set, Hut!" CBS Sports show. "Because the reality is Jameis has played more ball. But also, the reality, too, is this 23-year-old kid just threw for 243 yards. They have to be scratching their head, 'Well, what if he played four quarters?'"
The Giants have already seen a good bit of Winston, who replaced an injured Dart in Week 2. The former No. 1 overall pick has completed 57% of his passes for 957 yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions in five games.
Winston began October by tossing three touchdowns in back-to-back games, but he settled for 152 yards and one score against the Saints on Sunday. His 76.4 quarterback rating ranks 28th among NFL signal-callers this season.
Meanwhile, McCarthy led three consecutive scoring drives late in the Week 6 contest and took the Giants into a red zone with a chance to tie or take the lead in the closing minute of a 34-27 loss. New York trailed 34-10 when he entered the game.
If the Giants follow Wilson's advice, Winston would likely be on an incredibly short leash this Sunday.