Can the New York Giants Trust Their 2025 Late First-Round QB Long-Term?
The 2026 NFL Draft is a few weeks away. The Giants have a lot that they need to think about before they head into this year's draft. Last year, the team drafted players who brought life back to the team. The Giants have that same chance to do it again this coming year. They have also made many changes to the franchise throughout this season. New York may have a chance at being a top-tier team this season.
The Giants have spent time over this offseason window shopping since they hired several new coaches. However, a question has arisen, prompting the team to reflect on their choices. The Giants are wondering whether they should pursue their young quarterback, Jaxson Dart, for the long term or draft another quarterback in this year's draft. It hasn’t been easy for New York, but the young quarterback has been a draw for many of the new coaches and players who have come in. He came in and last year began to develop behind both Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson. He eventually earned a starting spot by the middle of the season.
Dart has been a breakout player for New York since he started. The former Ole Miss quarterback showed flashes of promise from the start. The 22-year-old had thrown for 3,214 yards with 21 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, displaying his ability to push the ball downfield but also some inconsistency in decision-making. Dart added another 412 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground, giving the offense a much-needed dual-threat element. He completed 62.8 percent of his passes across 16 starts, showing growth as the season progressed.
Last season, Dart did not allow the Giants to fall towards the end. He and many analysts felt that if the Giants stayed with the first overall pick, Big Blue would pick up the current hot commodity quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. Dart made it a point to save his job with his teammates. The former rookie pushed to get Big Blue to start winning games towards the end of the season that had previously looked promising. Despite losing most of their games, Big Blue is still taking the fifth pick. He was the one head coach whom they looked to when they needed to fill the head coaching position.
Dart continues to fit the New York Giants' offense because his mobility extends plays behind an offensive line that has struggled with consistency. His ability to throw on the run and attack downfield matches a system that needs more explosive plays rather than short, conservative drives. Dart’s toughness and willingness to take hits make him well-suited for the physical style of play in the NFL. He also brings a dual-threat element that can open up the run game and create easier reads through play-action and designed quarterback runs. Most importantly, his upside gives the Giants a chance to evolve offensively rather than stay stuck in a limited, predictable scheme.
New York definitely needs to keep this young quarterback long-term. They do not need to pick up any quarterbacks. However, they may need one to fill their third-string slot, given that Wilson will not return this coming season. Yet, Dart is definitely the face of Big Blue, and he has already done wonders for the Giants. There’s no need to bring in someone else, even if this franchise plans to.
