If you haven't been paying attention to MetLife Stadium lately, the depth chart looks nothing like the Daniel Jones era. Honestly, it’s a whole new world. People keep asking who is the quarterback for the Giants, and while the answer used to be a complicated mess of "bridge" veterans and hope, the dust has finally settled.
Jaxson Dart is the guy.
The rookie out of Ole Miss essentially grabbed the franchise by the throat during the 2025 season. It wasn’t just a "he’s the future" kind of thing; it became "he is the right now." After the Giants moved on from Daniel Jones in late 2024—a breakup that felt as messy as a bad high school split—the front office went all-in on a youth movement. They traded back into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft to snag Dart at No. 25 overall, and by the time the 2026 offseason rolled around, he had officially slammed the door on any talk of a quarterback competition.
The Depth Chart Shakeup
It’s kinda wild how fast things changed. Just a year ago, the room was crowded with veterans. You had Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston brought in to act as the "adults in the room" while Dart acclimated.
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But football moves fast.
- Jaxson Dart: The undisputed QB1. He finished the 2025 season strong, particularly in a season-ending win against the Dallas Cowboys where he threw for 230 yards and two touchdowns. He’s got that "it" factor—a mix of swagger and a quick release that Brian Daboll has been dying for.
- The Veterans: Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston were the safety nets. While they provided the "incubation time" the Giants originally planned for, Dart’s play under pressure forced the coaching staff's hand.
- The Departed: Tommy DeVito, the "Tommy Cutlets" phenomenon, was waived in August 2025. He ended up with the Patriots, leaving the Giants with a much more streamlined, professional-looking QB room.
What Makes Jaxson Dart Different?
Look, we’ve seen the Giants try to find "the next Eli" for years. Daniel Jones had the size and the speed, but the consistency just never showed up. Dart feels different because of his playmaking floor. At Ole Miss, he was a first-team All-SEC selection, breaking Eli Manning’s school record for career passing yards with over 10,600.
He doesn't have the strongest arm in the NFL. Not even close. But his trigger is lightning fast. He gets the ball out. In Daboll’s system, which relies on quick reads and YAC (yards after catch), that’s more valuable than a 70-yard cannon. Plus, he’s a "competitive runner." That’s scout-speak for "this guy is going to take hits he shouldn't," but it also means he moves the chains on 3rd and 7 when the pocket collapses.
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The Post-Daniel Jones Financials
You can’t talk about who is the quarterback for the Giants without mentioning the money. The Giants took a massive $22.21 million dead money hit in 2025 just to get Daniel Jones off the roster. It was a "rip the band-aid off" move. By the time 2026 rolled around, the books started looking healthy again.
Because Dart is on a rookie contract, Joe Schoen (the GM) has been able to actually build a team. We’re talking about weapons like Malik Nabers and Tyrone Tracy Jr. being able to grow alongside a cheap, productive quarterback. It’s the blueprint every team tries to follow, but it only works if the kid can actually play.
What to Expect in 2026
With the 2025 season in the rearview, the Giants are no longer "searching." They’re building. Dart showed glimpses of stardom but also a bit of recklessness—he’s a rookie, it happens. The focus for this upcoming year is getting him more protection and a consistent run game.
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The front office even skipped on taking a QB in the early 2026 draft rounds, despite some buzz about Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore. That tells you everything you need to know about their confidence in Dart.
Actionable Next Steps for Giants Fans:
- Watch the Tape: If you want to see why the front office is sold, go back and watch the Week 18 win against Dallas. Dart's ability to navigate a muddy pocket is the best the Giants have had in a decade.
- Track the Coaching: Keep an eye on the John Harbaugh rumors. With Brian Daboll’s seat always being a topic of conversation, how a new or returning staff handles Dart’s "reckless" tendencies will determine if he’s a four-year starter or a ten-year franchise icon.
- Salary Cap Watch: Now that the Jones dead money is largely cleared, expect the Giants to be aggressive in free agency to give Dart a true #2 receiver to complement Nabers.