For many players, jersey numbers hold little significance; for others, a number can have profound personal meaning or be intrinsically linked to a player’s brand. When it comes to quarterbacks, a number is something that can last an entire career, given that successful quarterbacks tend to remain on the same team long term.
The New York Giants drafted Jaxson Dart in the 2025 NFL Draft in April, a team that already had a player assigned to its No. 2 jersey, the number Dart wore at Ole Miss. During a recent interview, Dart was asked if he’d offered money to acquire the number in New York, to which the quarterback provided a humorous response.
Jaxson Dart Reveals Whether or Not He Offered Money For the Giants No. 2 Jersey
Such is the importance that some players put on a jersey number, it’s not uncommon for new arrivals to offer a teammate money to switch. Dart has been wearing the No. 6 jersey in New York so far, with cornerback Deonte Banks already assigned to his preferred No. 2.
During the interview, Dart was asked if he’d offered money for his preferred number.
“You’re No. 6, which any single-digit number is obviously awesome. But did you offer any money for No. 2?”
The rookie wasn’t shy in revealing his answer, which he delivered with a contagious laugh.
“Yeah, too much.”
Everyone has their price, but sometimes it’s too high – even for a first rounder like Jaxson Dart 😅@nflpa | @Fanatics pic.twitter.com/yICvMiFhV0
— cllct (@cllctMedia) May 26, 2025
In fairness, Banks is a former first-round pick who has started 29 games in his first two years in the league, something Dart will likely fail to replicate, with the intention for him to operate behind the scenes in Year 1.
Banks also only acquired the number recently after, ironically, giving up his No. 3 jersey to Russell Wilson. No. 2 was only made available after being worn by Drew Lock in 2024, who Dart will be replacing as backup in 2025.
What Number Will Dart Wear in New York?
Though the quarterback is currently wearing No. 6 in practice, that number is also unavailable, with it being assigned to punter Jamie Gillan. Gillan has already changed numbers once during his three years in New York, and it is unknown whether the recently re-signed veteran would be open to another switch.
Unfortunately for Dart, the Giants have retired 13 different numbers, including five numbers between one and 11. That has meant that the team’s other first-round pick, Abdul Carter, has also had to switch numbers from college, having worn 11 at Penn State.
watch the path of Abdul Carter (#11) pic.twitter.com/w8bbXRp9Yg
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) January 10, 2025
Per the team’s website, No. 30 is the lowest number that is yet to be assigned for 2025 or not retired. With the quarterback unlikely to accept a number that high, and the team unlikely to make him, somebody will inevitably need to make way.
