It’s a brand-new year, and honestly, if you haven’t been glued to MetLife Stadium lately, the depth chart might look a little unrecognizable. The days of the "Danny Dimes" era are officially in the rearview mirror. So, let's get straight to it: Jaxson Dart is the New York Giants quarterback. He isn't just a placeholder or a "bridge" guy anymore. After a wild 2025 season that saw veterans come and go, the former Ole Miss standout has firmly grabbed the reins of this franchise. If you’re a Giants fan, you’ve probably had some whiplash lately. Between the Daniel Jones release in late 2024 and the carousel of veteran backups, it’s been a lot to process. But as we sit here in January 2026, the identity of this team is tied to No. 6.
How Jaxson Dart Became the Face of Big Blue
The path to Dart becoming the New York Giants quarterback wasn't exactly a straight line. Remember back in the 2025 NFL Draft? Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll were under immense pressure. They had just moved on from Daniel Jones, and the fan base was starving for a franchise savior. The Giants actually traded back into the first round, snagging Dart at the No. 25 spot.
At the time, people called it a "desperation pick." They said he needed time to sit and learn behind the veterans the Giants brought in—guys like Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. And for the first three weeks of the 2025 season, that’s exactly what happened. Russell Wilson started under center. But after an 0-3 start and a struggling offense, Daboll pulled the trigger. He handed the keys to the rookie.
Dart didn't just play; he survived the New York media ringer. He broke school records at Ole Miss—even passing Eli Manning’s career yardage mark—and he brought that same "gunslinger" energy to the Meadowlands. By the end of his rookie campaign, he wasn't just a kid trying to learn the playbook. He was a leader. After a dominant 34-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys to close out the 2025 season, Dart basically told the world that the QB search is over.
🔗 Read more: Inter Miami vs Toronto: What Really Happened in Their Recent Clashes
The Current Giants QB Depth Chart (Early 2026)
Right now, the room looks a lot different than it did a year ago. It’s a mix of raw youth and aging experience that sort of shouldn't work on paper, but somehow does.
Jaxson Dart (The Starter) He's the undisputed QB1. Coming off a season where he was named a finalist for NFL Rookie of the Year, his confidence is through the roof. He’s got that "flick-fast" trigger and isn't afraid to tuck the ball and run, even if it makes the trainers nervous.
Jameis Winston (The Backup) Jameis is currently the primary backup, though there’s a bit of a question mark around his future due to his $8 million price tag. He only started two games in 2025, but his value in the locker room as a mentor to Dart has been huge.
💡 You might also like: Matthew Berry Positional Rankings: Why They Still Run the Fantasy Industry
Russell Wilson (The Odd Man Out) Russ started the 2025 season as the guy, but a hamstring injury and poor performance led to his benching. As of January 2026, he’s a free agent-to-be and has already made it clear he plans to play elsewhere. He isn't expected back in a Giants uniform.
What Happened to Daniel Jones?
You can’t talk about the New York Giants quarterback situation without acknowledging the "Vanilla Vick" sized hole left behind. Daniel Jones was released in November 2024 after six seasons of ups and downs. It was a mutual parting that felt like a long time coming.
Interestingly enough, Jones actually revitalized his career with the Indianapolis Colts in 2025. He threw for over 3,000 yards before a season-ending injury. It’s a classic NFL story: sometimes a change of scenery is the only thing that works. While Jones is looking to re-sign with the Colts for the 2026 season, his time in New York is firmly a closed chapter.
📖 Related: What Time Did the Cubs Game End Today? The Truth About the Off-Season
Why People are Actually Excited About Dart
It isn't just about the stats. Sure, Dart threw for 230 yards and two scores in the season finale against Dallas, but it's the "it" factor. He’s got this weirdly calm demeanor in the pocket that the Giants haven't seen in a while.
- The Vertical Game: Unlike the conservative check-down offenses of years past, Dart led the FBS in yards per attempt back in college. He’s brought that "push the ball downfield" mentality to Daboll's scheme.
- Mobility: He’s a "competitive runner." He’s not Lamar Jackson, but he can scramble for 30 yards when a play breaks down, which is essential given the Giants' offensive line struggles.
- The Intangibles: When he was benched, Russell Wilson—a Super Bowl champ—was the first person to call Dart and tell him he had his back. That speaks to the respect Dart earned in the building before he even took a snap.
The Road Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
The Giants enter the 2026 offseason with a lot of work to do. They just hired a new head coach, John Harbaugh, which is a massive shift for the organization. For Dart, this means learning a new system, but it also means having a proven winner at the helm.
The biggest challenge will be the roster around him. Malik Nabers, the star receiver, and Cam Skattebo, the bruising running back, both ended the 2025 season on injured reserve. For the New York Giants quarterback to truly take the next step, he needs his weapons back on the field.
Honestly, the "quarterback controversy" in New York is dead. For the first time in years, the Giants aren't heading into the draft looking for a savior under center. They found him in the kid from Utah.
Your Next Steps to Stay Informed
If you want to keep up with how the Giants are building around Jaxson Dart this offseason, here’s what you should do:
- Watch the Coaching Staff Hires: Keep an eye on who Harbaugh brings in as the Offensive Coordinator. This will dictate whether Dart stays in a high-octane vertical offense or moves toward a more balanced, run-heavy scheme.
- Monitor Free Agency (March 2026): See if the Giants keep Jameis Winston or look for a cheaper veteran backup. This will tell you how much they trust Dart’s durability.
- Check the Injury Reports: Follow the recovery of Malik Nabers. Dart’s success in 2026 is almost entirely dependent on having his No. 1 target healthy and ready for training camp.