The quarterback position became the Giants’ most pressing concern following the 2024 season. The Daniel Jones era came to an end midway through the year, and the subsequent rotation of Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito failed to provide a spark. Recognizing the significance of the situation, including their job security, head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen made addressing the quarterback position a top priority, exploring multiple avenues to stabilize and improve the offense.
2025 season in review
Jaxson Dart, Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston
The Giants moved quickly to upgrade their quarterback room last March, signing both Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson. New York brought in Winston on a two-year, $8 million contract before adding Wilson a few days later on a one-year, $10 million deal, with the expectation that he would assume the starting role. With those additions, the Giants injected the position with veteran experience, arguably highlighted by Wilson, a Super Bowl champion.
The Giants weren’t done, though. After selecting Abdul Carter third overall, Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll decided to trade up to pick-25 (Pick 34, 99, and 2026 third-round pick) to select Ole Miss quarterback, Jaxson Dart. Russell Wilson handled the majority of first-team snaps throughout training camp and would go on to start the first three games of the season.
Wilson was benched after the Giants’ Week 3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs (22-9). Wilson would throw four more passes the rest of the season. He finished the year 69 of 119 (58%) with 831 yards, three touchdowns, three interceptions, and 10 sacks suffered. Wilson was lights out in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys; he finished 30 of 41 for 450 yards with three touchdowns, a fumbles, and an interception. Unfortunately, he did not eclipse 168 yards in his other two starts.
The Wilson chapter was short-lived, and Jaxson Dart would start Week 4 against a vaunted Los Angeles Chargers defense. Dart led the Giants to a victory and exceeded my expectations throughout the season. Dart finished 216 of 339 (63.7%) for 2,272 yards with 15 passing touchdowns and five interceptions.
Dart had a 5.2% Big Time Throw Rate and a 3.4% Turnover Worthy Play Rate, averaging 6.7 yards per attempt and an aDot of 8.8 yards. Dart was sacked 35 times. His legs were a massive, and at times controversial, part of his skill-set. He rushed for 487 yards (5.7 YPC) with nine touchdowns, five fumbles, and a few massive hits that led to an injury label, which was accelerated with Dart missing two games with a concussion.
Dart’s playmaking ability was impressive, especially without star wide receiver Malik Nabers:
Dart finished the year 60 of 95 (63%) on third down, with five touchdowns and two interceptions. According to Pro Football Focus, Dart was 73 of 115 (63.5%) for 817 yards with eight touchdowns and three picks against the blitz. Dart has comported himself well at the microphone throughout the season. He has displayed a mixture of maturity and humble confidence that seems rare for most 22-year-olds. Overall, the Giants are in a good place with quarterback Jaxson Dart. New York has him under a cost-effective contract for another three (possibly four) years.
Jameis Winston started two games with Dart in concussion protocol. Winston completed 37 of 66 (56.1%) for 567 yards with a pair of touchdowns and interceptions. Winston averaged 8.6-yards per attempt with a 6.9% BTT and a 6.6% TWP rate. Winston went jab for jab with the Detroit Lions in Week 12, but the Giants were 0-2 in his starts. However, Winston is still under contract for the 2026 season, and he demonstrates strong leadership within the young offense.
Grade: B+
2026 outlook
The Giants are in good hands at the quarterback position. Jaxson Dart is the unquestioned starter with Winston as a high-end backup. Wilson enters free agency and will not be back.
Dart’s development will be a crucial aspect in Harbaugh’s first season as head coach. There are still plenty of questions to be answered about Harbaugh’s coaching staff and the overall roster. As for the quarterback position, specifically, the Giants may look to add another quarterback for the practice squad. That could be an undrafted free agent or a veteran.
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