The New York Giants have been a franchise in search of an identity at the quarterback position for several years. After signing veteran Russell Wilson in the offseason to be a steadying presence, they made a bold move by trading up to select Jaxson Dart in the first round of the NFL Draft. This past weekend, in the annual preseason clash against the crosstown rival Jets, the Giants' offense looked sharp and efficient, easily handling the Jets in a 31-12 victory. While the starters played sparingly, the story of the game was the performance of the team's rookie quarterback.
The Giants' hopes for the 2025 season are to be competitive and build a solid foundation for the future. The plan was likely to have Wilson start the season, allowing Dart time to develop from the sidelines. However, a stellar preseason from the rookie could complicate that timeline and give the coaching staff a difficult decision to make. The team has invested heavily in offensive weapons over the past two drafts, and their success hinges on finding a quarterback who can effectively distribute the ball and elevate the play of those around him.
In his first game in front of the home crowd, Jaxson Dart looked anything but a rookie. He was poised, decisive, and incredibly accurate, completing 14 of his 16 pass attempts for 137 yards and a touchdown. He was in complete command of the offense, at one point rattling off 13 straight completions. His impressive performance wasn't limited to his arm; he also showcased his athleticism with a designed run for a touchdown, demonstrating the dual-threat ability that made him such a coveted prospect. He showed a great feel for navigating the pocket, stepping up to avoid pressure and delivering accurate throws on the run.
Dart's performance has thrown a wrench into the Giants' quarterback plans. He is already putting significant pressure on the veteran starter, Russell Wilson, to perform at a high level. From a fantasy perspective, Dart has gone from a late-round dynasty stash to a player with legitimate redraft relevance, especially in Superflex and 2-QB leagues. His ability to score with both his arm and his legs gives him a high fantasy ceiling. If the veteran starter falters early in the season, the calls for Dart will be deafening. He is a high-upside QB2 to target in the later rounds of fantasy drafts who could end up being a league-winner if he gets the starting job sooner rather than later.