When the New York Giants chose Daniel Jones over Saquon Barkley, they weren’t expecting things to go this badly. But a three-win season put both general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll at risk of losing their jobs, leading to a flurry of offseason activity to improve the roster.
Their primary focus was the quarterback position, where they signed both Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston to take on veteran roles. They also traded back into the first round after drafting Abdul Carter to select Jaxson Dart, surprising many. Almost two months later, what’s the verdict on the potential future of the franchise?
Giants QB Jaxson Dart Turning Heads in Camp, Earning Praise From Brian Daboll
Last season was a brutal showing for the Giants in just about every area. But the offense was especially bad. Daniel Jones, benched in Week 11, finished the 2024 season 30th on PFSN’s QB+ metric.
That translated to the offense overall, which was among the worst in the league, finishing second to last on the corresponding Offense+ metric. Outside of rookie sensation Malik Nabers, upgrades were a necessity, and New York made them over the summer.
Still, the biggest question mark on the Giants’ roster is their rookie quarterback. For most of the pre-draft process, Shedeur Sanders was viewed as a first-round talent and the second-best quarterback in the class behind eventual No. 1 pick Cam Ward.
Sanders, the son of Deion Sanders, had ties to the Big Blue, even wearing custom Giants cleats during a Colorado Buffaloes bowl game. But New York chose a different path.
MORE: Giants HC Brian Daboll Breaks Silence on Viral Rumor of Heated Draft Meeting With Shedeur Sanders
Instead, they traded back into the first round to select the Ole Miss product. Over three years with the Rebels, Dart demonstrated steady growth. In his final season, he threw for 4,279 yards and 29 touchdowns.
But his style still needed some refinement to translate to the NFL. In the two months since the draft in Green Bay, Dart has been with the Giants through rookie camp, OTAs, and mandatory minicamp.
That time has given Daboll a chance to see what he’s working with. Speaking to the media, he offered high praise for Dart based on his spring camp.
Jaxson Dart has been “excellent” in the Giants’ spring program, says Brian Daboll:
“He’s smart, he’s aggressive with the football – which I like…he’s progressed since he’s been here” pic.twitter.com/mMcZe7ndOK
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) June 17, 2025
“He’s been excellent. He’s picking up information. It’s really good to have Russ, and Jameis, and even Tommy [DeVito], because Tommy’s been in this system for a few years here and is the head statesman in terms of that.”
Having those veterans around has helped Dart get up to speed. “He’s fit right in with those guys. He’s smart, he’s aggressive with the football, which I like.” Still, Daboll knows the “true test will be once we start.”
But for what Dart has shown so far, it’s a big thumbs-up from his head coach. “He’s progressed since he’s been here to where he is now. He’s made good improvement.”
It’s unlikely Dart starts right away. But the talent and potential were always obvious. If he continues to learn from the veterans, adjust to the offense, and develop at this pace, the Giants may have finally found their quarterback of the future.
And Daboll may have found a way to save his job.
