New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart has a name that sounds like it belongs in a children’s book — or maybe something a caveman might say. But despite the playful sound of his full name, Dart entered OTAs with a clear understanding: his rookie season would be all about development. Linebacker Brian Burns quickly drove that point home by chasing him down on a read-option play during practice.
“He had a read-option play and just, you know, his ability to come back and chase me down was kind of crazy,” Dart said, laughing.
After a frustrating 2024 season that exposed major flaws on offense, the Giants used the No. 25 pick in the NFL Draft to select Dart out of Ole Miss. Still, the plan for now is clear: Dart will learn by observing veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, with an eye toward taking over the starting job by 2026.
Dart had an opportunity to deliver a bold soundbite recently — the kind of statement that could stir headlines before he’s taken a regular-season snap. Instead, during Friday’s YES Network broadcast of the Yankees–Red Sox game, he showed humility and maturity, avoiding any talk of dethroning the experienced quarterbacks ahead of him.
He expressed admiration for Wilson, Winston, and even Tommy DeVito, acknowledging the depth of experience in the Giants’ QB room.
“Russ winning the Super Bowl, and being able to pick their brains every day has been awesome for me — especially being so young,” Dart said. “Right now, I’m focused on improving every day and doing whatever I can to help the team win.”
“I hate losing. I’ll do whatever it takes to prevent that. So whatever my role is, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.”
Wilson, now 36, joined the Giants on a one-year deal after splitting time with Justin Fields in Pittsburgh last season. Though the Steelers went 10-7 and reached the playoffs, Wilson struggled during their wild-card loss to the Ravens.
The Giants aren’t considered strong playoff contenders in 2025, but with a revamped running game, dynamic rookie receiver Malik Nabers, and a defense that’s shown potential, there’s still hope Wilson can prove he’s still a viable starter — while mentoring Dart along the way.
“Yeah, Jaxson’s been great,” Wilson said. “He’s a hard worker, a great teammate. We’re all having fun.”
“The quarterback room is dialed in — everyone’s focused and putting in the work every day. He’s going to be an extremely talented player with a bright future.”
For now, Dart wraps up his first OTAs with a strong sense of where he stands. During the YES broadcast, he also shared a personal story about idolizing Derek Jeter growing up. But he didn’t make any bold promises about bringing New York a title as a rookie.
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