The New York Giants’ rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart is already stirring up some chatter, and it’s not just about his arm. The 2025 first-round pick wanted to rock his college No. 2 jersey, a number he wore while slinging passes at USC and Ole Miss. But when he tried to snag it from Giants cornerback Deonte Banks, he hit a wall—and a pricey one at that. “Yeah, it’s too much,” Dart told CLLT Media with a laugh, admitting Banks’ asking price for No. 2 was more than he was willing to shell out. So, for now, Dart’s sporting No. 6 at Giants minicamp, with training camp looming this summer. There’s still time for a switch, but don’t hold your breath—Banks isn’t exactly eager to part with his digits.
You can’t blame Banks for holding firm. The guy’s already been through the jersey shuffle twice, going from No. 25 as a rookie to No. 3 last year, and then giving up No. 3 this offseason when the Giants signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. That’s a lot of wardrobe changes for a cornerback who’s trying to lock down his spot in the secondary. Banks probably figures he’s earned the right to keep No. 2, especially after bending over backward for a future Hall of Famer like Wilson. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes drama that makes the NFL offseason so juicy—numbers matter, and players don’t give them up easy.
Dart’s not the only Giants rookie dealing with jersey number dilemmas. Fellow 2025 first-rounder Abdul Carter had his own saga. In college, Carter wore No. 11, but when he got to New York, he had his heart set on No. 56 to honor Giants legend Lawrence Taylor. LT shot that down, so Carter considered No. 11—previously worn by Giants great Phil Simms—before landing on No. 51, a nod to another edge rusher, Azeez Ojulari, who rocked it for four years before bolting to the Eagles. It’s like a game of musical chairs with these numbers, but it shows how much pride and history go into picking the right one.
Back to Dart, though—this kid’s got bigger fish to fry than jersey negotiations. The Giants traded back into the first round to draft him after a stellar college career at Ole Miss, where he started 35 of 36 games and went 28-10. His final season was a show: nearly 4,300 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, just six picks, and
495 yards rushing to boot. Those are the kind of numbers that scream “franchise quarterback potential,” and Dart’s been turning heads at minicamp. The Giants also brought in Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston this offseason, and while one of those vets is likely to start Week 1, Dart’s making a case to push them. He’s got that spark you can’t teach—poise in the pocket, legs to escape trouble, and a knack for big plays.
The jersey number thing? It’s a fun subplot, but it’s not slowing Dart down. Whether he’s rocking No. 6 or eventually pries No. 2 from Banks, this rookie’s got his eyes on the prize: leading the Giants back to relevance. With Wilson and Winston in the mix, the quarterback room is crowded, but Dart’s college tape and early minicamp flashes suggest he’s ready to compete. Giants fans are already dreaming of what this kid could do, and if he keeps balling out, the number on his back will be the least of anyone’s worries. For now, keep an eye on No. 6—he might just be the future in New York.
