The New York Giants selected former Ole Miss Rebels star Jaxson Dart in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. However, the Giants also signed veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston this offseason to round out the quarterback room.
Although Dart was impressive throughout the preseason, the Giants and head coach Brian Daboll stood firm on their decision to have Russell Wilson serve as the team’s starter.
After the decision, Dart made it clear that he is willing to wait for his chance to take the field.
“I feel like whenever my number is called, I’m gonna go out there, I’m gonna play my game and I’m gonna ball,” he said.
“That’s just my mindset any time I touch the field. Obviously, Russ is the starter, and he’s going to do amazing. He’s had such a great camp and has played at an elite level. My job is just to be the best teammate and be ready whenever it is. I’m excited for Russ and what he’s going to do this year.”
Dart also expressed confidence in himself for when he finally gets his opportunity.
“When I step on the field, I expect to play at a high level,” he said. “I have the confidence that I’m going to be the best player on the field every time.”
However, Wilson played terribly in his debut with the Giants. The veteran went 17-for-37 passing for 168 yards in a 21-6 loss to the Washington Commanders. In the immediate aftermath of his game, Daboll was noncommittal about sticking with Wilson as the starter.
“We’re going to get home and look at our game,” Daboll said after he was asked if he’d entertain the idea of starting Dart in Week Two.
While Daboll has since declared that he’d stick with Wilson as the starter, it appears that the vet is on a very tight leash, as Daboll has made it clear he thinks Dart is ready to go.
“It’s his first regular season game to be part of, so he’s got to be ready,” Daboll said, according to Athlon Sports. “He’s got to see the game through the quarterback’s eyes on the sideline. He’s got to be involved in the communication. Each day we’re trying to groom him and when he has to play, he’ll be ready to play.”
Fans reacted to Dart seemingly being close to taking the field on social media.
“Idk how I feel about this. I really wanna see the kid play but idk if he’s ready for this,” one fan wroet on Twitter.
“Jaxson Dart should not start until Andrew Thomas is ready to play,” someone else added.
“At this point, I’m ready to hand over the reigns to Jaxson Dart…In my opinion, Mbow is a better option at OT than Hudson is. Do we have a safety that can cover??? LB play was awful…Okereke has looked terrible under Bowen. Flott, Phillips and Adebo looked legit. Miss anything?” one fan wrote.
It’ll be interestingt to see when Dart finally takes the field.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.