The New York Giants didn’t just shake up their quarterback room—they upended expectations. On September 3, 2025, an unofficial depth chart leaked by Big Blue View listed 22-year-old rookie Jaxson Dart as QB2 behind presumed starter Russell Wilson, and ahead of veteran Jameis Winston. It wasn’t a mistake. It was a statement.
The Draft That Changed Everything
The Giants had entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear, if messy, plan: sign two veteran quarterbacks to stabilize a crumbling offense while drafting their next franchise QB. They traded up to land Dart with the 25th overall pick at the 2025 NFL DraftCaesars Forum in Las Vegas. That choice stunned analysts. Shedeur Sanders, the dynamic receiver-turned-quarterback from Colorado, was widely projected as a top-15 pick. The Giants passed. The Cleveland Browns took him at 34. And then came the signings: Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, on a $10.5 million base with $10.5 million in incentives; Winston, the former Buccaneers star, on a $8 million one-year deal with no upside.At first glance, it looked like a classic ‘win-now’ move. But the depth chart told a different story. Dart, the rookie, was already ahead of a two-time Pro Bowler with a Super Bowl ring. The message from head coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen was unmistakable: the future is now.
From Bench to Breakout
Wilson started the season as the Giants’ signal-caller. He didn’t just struggle—he collapsed. After three losses to start 2025, his numbers were alarming: 5.8 yards per attempt, 12 interceptions in 109 attempts, and a quarterback rating of 59.4. Pro Football Network noted: “His yards per pass attempt when outside of the pocket have dipped in three consecutive seasons.” At 36, the magic was gone.Enter Dart. On October 3, 2025, in a rainy Week 4 game against the Los Angeles ChargersSoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Dart made his first NFL start. He threw for 212 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Giants to a 24-20 upset. The crowd roared. The locker room buzzed. He didn’t just play—he commanded.
His second start, against the Carolina Panthers on October 17, 2025, was even better: 101 yards passing, one touchdown, no picks, and a game-winning drive in the final 90 seconds. He finished those two games with 313 passing yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions, and a 98.1 passer rating. The Giants were 1-1 under him. The fans? They were already wearing Dart jerseys.
Why This Matters Beyond the Record
This isn’t just about a rookie outplaying veterans. It’s about organizational courage. In the NFL, teams rarely hand the keys to a first-year player over two proven winners. But the Giants didn’t just gamble—they calculated. They knew Wilson’s decline was structural, not situational. They knew Winston’s volatility had cost him jobs before. And they knew Dart’s poise, arm strength, and decision-making were elite—even at 22.“It’s rare to see a team make this leap so fast,” said former NFL quarterback and analyst Trent Dilfer on ESPN Daily. “But Dart’s got that intangible. He doesn’t look like a rookie. He looks like a guy who’s been here five years.”
The Giants’ decision to prioritize Dart over Shedeur Sanders—whose early-season struggles in Cleveland have him fighting for snaps—has already paid dividends. Pro Football Network called it “the most impactful draft decision of 2025.”
The Concussion That Slowed the Momentum
By November 24, 2025, Dart was officially listed as the Giants’ starting quarterback on CBS Sports’ depth chart. But on November 28, 2025, during a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, he took a brutal hit in the third quarter. He was carted off with a concussion. The Giants announced he’d miss Week 12. His return was listed as “Expected - Week...” with no date—a sign the team was being cautious.That didn’t change the narrative. Even in his absence, the Giants’ offense looked more confident. The offensive line, once a liability, now played with rhythm. Running back Saquon Barkley was more explosive. Dart’s presence had changed everything—even when he wasn’t on the field.
What Comes Next?
Wilson’s contract expires after 2025. Winston’s does too. Neither is expected back. The Giants are now fully invested in Dart. His rookie deal, based on the 25th overall pick, pays him roughly $12.3 million over four years—far less than what Wilson earned in just one season. That’s $9 million saved. That’s cap space for defensive upgrades. That’s a foundation.By 2026, Dart could be the face of the franchise. By 2027, he could be an All-Pro. The Giants didn’t just find a quarterback. They found their next decade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Giants draft Jaxson Dart over Shedeur Sanders?
The Giants prioritized Dart’s arm talent, pocket presence, and decision-making over Sanders’ athleticism and college production. Scouts saw Dart as a more polished NFL-ready passer with better mechanics and poise under pressure. Sanders, while dynamic, struggled with consistency in college and has since been relegated to a backup role in Cleveland.
How does Dart’s performance compare to Russell Wilson’s this season?
In his two starts, Dart posted a 98.1 passer rating with 313 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. Wilson, in his three starts, had a 59.4 rating, 12 interceptions in 109 attempts, and averaged just 5.8 yards per pass. Dart’s efficiency and composure were dramatically superior, prompting the Giants to bench Wilson after a 0-3 start.
What impact will Dart’s concussion have on his long-term role?
The Giants are being cautious, but there’s no indication Dart’s role is in jeopardy. His performance has secured his place as the franchise QB. The team’s offensive identity has shifted to his strengths, and even with him sidelined, the offense has improved. He’s expected to return in Week 13 or 14, with no signs of long-term concerns.
Why didn’t the Giants keep Jameis Winston as the starter?
Winston’s career has been defined by inconsistency—he threw 30 interceptions in 2019 and was benched by multiple teams. His 2025 performance with the Giants was underwhelming, with no significant incentives in his contract. He was always a short-term stopgap. With Dart playing so well, there was no reason to risk Winston’s turnovers in a critical season.
Is Jaxson Dart the new face of the New York Giants?
Absolutely. The organization has already shifted its entire offensive strategy around him. His rookie contract gives them massive cap flexibility, and his leadership has galvanized the locker room. With Wilson and Winston both aging and underperforming, Dart isn’t just the starter—he’s the cornerstone of the Giants’ next era.
What’s next for the Giants’ offense with Dart as QB1?
Expect a more aggressive, play-action-heavy scheme designed to leverage Dart’s mobility and deep-ball accuracy. The Giants are already drafting more pass-catching tight ends and speedy receivers for 2026. With Dart under center, their offense could become one of the league’s most dynamic by 2027, especially if they use cap savings to rebuild their defense.