Giants' Jaxson Dart Could Get Unexpected Help From Surprise Weapon

The New York Giants knew they needed to get Jaxson Dart some help this offseason, so they obliged by completely overhauling their weapons.

The Giants signed wide receivers Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin III as well as tight end Isaiah Likely during the first wave of free agency. They then selected towering receiver Malachi Fields in the third round of the NFL Draft.

New York wasn't done there, though, as it also added Odell Beckham Jr., JuJu Smith-Schuster and Braxton Berrios earlier this month.

Yes, Malik Nabers' health is up in the air for the start of 2026, which is why the Giants decided to double down at wide receiver at the beginning of June. But if Nabers is able to get healthy and take the field for Week 1, Dart will have quite the smorgasbord of playmakers at his disposal come the fall.

Nabers, Darius Slayton, Mooney, Austin and Fields are all virtual locks to make the roster at wide receiver. Likely and Theo Johnson will be the top two tight ends. Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy comprise a versatile backfield.

Do the Giants have any Pro Bowl talents in there outside of Nabers? Maybe not, but they are definitely far deeper than they were a year ago at this time, and that has to have Dart charged up heading into his sophomore campaign.

On that note, Big Blue also has a sleeper pass-catcher who could have a larger impact than expected next season: Smith-Schuster.

Beckham gained all of the fanfare and notoriety during New York's flurry of receiver signings at the start of the month, which is understandable. He is the bigger name, after all, and he spent the first five years of his NFL career in the Big Apple.

However, it's Smith-Schuster who has actually been the more productive player in recent seasons. It hasn't been close, either.

Beckham didn't even play in 2025, but Smith-Schuster managed to log 33 catches for 345 yards and a touchdown with the Kansas City Chiefs. Eye-popping numbers? No. Enough to help Dart and the Giants offense in some capacity? You bet.

It's important to keep in mind that not only is Nabers' status murky, but Mooney and Austin were both banged up last season. Slayton is recovering from core muscle surgery, and Fields is just a rookie. So while New York has a variety of options, you really can't pencil in any of them for guaranteed production.

Not that you can do that with Smith-Schuster, but because of those concerns, he may end up having a more significant role than many are anticipating.

The focus is on Beckham in his return to the tri-state, but Smith-Schuster is actually the more intriguing player to watch heading into training camp.

Back in 2022, the 29-year-old hauled in 78 receptions for 933 yards and three scores, so he isn't that far removed from a truly impressive season. He helped the Chiefs win a Super Bowl that year, as well.

The sure-handed Smith-Schuster caught 73.3 percent of his targets in 2025 and owns a lifetime catch rate of 69.7 percent, so he is dependable. Especially on those short to intermediate routes.

I actually think Smith-Schuster will end up making the Giants' 53-man roster, and you might be surprised by how much he gets utilized in 2026.

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