WATCH: Russ Rips Passes at Giants OTAs

The New York Giants signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to help stabilize a passing offense that has had the bottom drop out from under it in consecutive seasons. He’s an immediate upgrade over Daniel Jones, the team’s best quarterback since Eli Manning’s final playoff run, and possibly enough to make New York competent in 2025.

But the Giants and Wilson both know his time is already running out. The moment first-round quarterback Jaxson Dart heard his name called in Round 1, the clock started ticking toward his NFL debut.

For now, he’s in line for a redshirt season. That’s justified, given the raw nature of his skill set and how careful the team should be with his development. However, the pressures that mount during the season, New York’s modest projections, and the potential for Dart to exceed expectations all lend itself to changed plans.

Wilson must continue to show that he gives his new team the best chance to win, and that starts well before the Sundays start counting. On Monday, the Giants dropped a video of Wilson impressing at OTAs, helping to get things started on the right foot.

“No, it doesn't change anything at all,” Wilson said, regarding practicing with Dart waiting in the wings. “I think the biggest thing is for me is just being my best every day, leading. I always think about just leading everybody, just leading every room, every moment, every time I get to step between the white lines and the opportunity of that.”

New York showcased four passes: a dart to running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., a touchdown pass to receiver Jalin Hyatt, an in-breaking route to tight end Theo Johnson, and a strike to veteran Darius Slayton.

Wilson’s starting job is set (for now), but his intangible impacts might prove to be more important. Between his leadership and his mentorship, Wilson’s fingerprints could show up well after his one-year stint is completed.

“So just I think the fellowship of it all is the best part right now,” he added. “Obviously, our work ethic and what we're doing in the field. But when it comes to just the tight-knit culture that we're continuing to build and continue to grow, and we want to have a championship football team, and in terms of our mentality and our approach and how we go about it.”

The veteran is well aware that this could be his final time around the block, and he’s embracing all of it. If this is Wilson’s final season as a starter, he’s not going to take one game, practice, or moment for granted.

“It's not just the games, but it's everything that leads up to that. And that's the fun part about the game of football.”