Just days into his tenure with the New York Giants, rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart is already making waves. A clip from the Giants’ minicamp went viral, showcasing Dart’s flair as he spun the ball in his hands before delivering a deep pass. The sequence—drop back, quick pump fake, and then a precise throw—caught the eye of fans and analysts alike. NFL Notifications on X, formerly Twitter, even boldly declared, “Jaxson Dart is the name that will bring the Giants back from irrelevancy.”
It’s a bold statement, but it’s easy to see why fans are getting excited. Dart’s performance, even in a practice setting, hints at the potential that convinced the Giants to trade back into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft to select him. Before Dart, the Giants had already made headlines by picking Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter with the third overall pick, but it’s Dart who’s stealing the spotlight early on.
This isn’t the Giants’ first rodeo with quarterbacks this offseason. They also brought in Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson in free agency, adding veteran presence to a roster that desperately needs stability after a 3-14 season. Wilson, a former Super Bowl winner, and Winston, a former No. 1 overall pick, are there to mentor Dart, but his early impressions might complicate the team’s plans. In today’s NFL, it’s tough to keep a promising young quarterback on the bench. The era of rookies sitting for years behind veterans is largely over, with Jordan Love being one of the last examples of that strategy.
Dart’s journey to the Giants is a story of growth. After a freshman year at USC, he transferred to Ole Miss in 2022, where he flourished. His 2024 season was a breakout, throwing for over 4,200 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, while adding nearly 500 rushing yards and three scores on the ground. It’s this kind of production that has Giants head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen hoping Dart can be the savior they need after a disastrous campaign.
Daboll, in particular, has been impressed with Dart’s preparation, noting his strong first day of rookie minicamp. It’s a promising start, but Dart has a long road ahead if he wants to claim the starting job. Moves like the one in the viral clip might help his case, but the competition is stiff. Wilson and Winston bring experience, and the Giants’ decision-makers will have a tougher call to make than they might have anticipated if Dart keeps shining.
For now, the excitement around Dart is palpable. Fans are hungry for a turnaround, and a young quarterback with his resume is exactly the kind of spark they need. Whether he can deliver on the hype and lead the Giants back to relevance remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: Jaxson Dart is already making his mark.
