The Jaxson Dart era might be closer than originally anticipated for the New York Giants.
On Tuesday, the Giants named Dart second on the depth chart ahead of the Week 1 matchup against the Washington Commanders. He will backup Russell Wilson with Jameis Winston acting as third string.
Dart, who was selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, came into training camp as the third string behind both veterans but impressed enough during preseason action to climb up the depth chart.
So, what does this mean as the season is about to begin?
The initial action by the Giants during free agency hinted at the rookie quarterback who would eventually be added sitting for the year. Winston was the first addition before the Giants signed Wilson to a one-year deal worth $10 million guaranteed. At 36 years old, Wilson was the perfect veteran placeholder for a transitioning franchise. This contract also allows the Giants to be impatient as the season progresses.
The plan seems simple. If the Giants find ways to win games early, Wilson will continue to play while Dart learns the game at the NFL level. If Wilson struggles and this leads to losses -- let's remember that the Giants have one of the most difficult schedules in the league -- then it will be Dart's time sooner than later.
The Ole Miss product went 32-for-47 for 372 yards and four total touchdowns in three preseason games. Head coach Brian Daboll did not commit to either backup quarterback when speaking to the media this week but apparently there was a clear-cut winner.
"We'll have a walkthrough today and focus on today and then as the week goes on, the backup quarterbacks will get a lot of reps on the look teams and then we'll decide what we want to do on some of the periods," Daboll said to the media on Monday.
The Giants open the season with back-to-back division games before their home opener against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3. New York has some question marks offensively outside of Malik Nabers, who is one of the young stars in the league. The offensive line remains a mystery and might be without left tackle Andrew Thomas early on.
With all things considered, Dart could be thrust into the starting role much earlier than expected.