Jaxson Dart, the New York Giants’ rookie quarterback, has wasted no time making his presence felt on the field and the salary cap. Since transitioning from a first-round draft pick to the team’s starter, he has delivered a rollercoaster of a performance, mixing thrilling plays with costly mistakes. His debut has been exciting, but it comes under the immense pressure of a fully guaranteed rookie contract in which the Giants invested heavily.
Let’s break down exactly what he’s making in 2025 and what it means for the franchise.
Inside the Contract: What Jaxson Dart Is Earning in 2025?
When the Giants traded up to select Jaxson Dart at No. 25 in the 2025 NFL Draft, they made a serious financial commitment. Dart signed a four-year, $16,977,927 fully guaranteed contract with the team, which included a hefty $8,987,584 signing bonus. In 2025, his earnings consist of a base salary of $840,000 and a workout bonus of $4,349.
However, his impact on the team’s finances is more significant than his salary alone. His cap hit for the 2025 season is approximately $3,091,245, while the dead cap figure, should he be released, is nearly $16,982,277. Thanks to the prorated signing bonus, the cash paid to him in 2025 is much larger than his base salary, contributing to a “cash in hand” figure exceeding $9.8 million in some breakdowns.
Additionally, his contract includes a fifth-year option, allowing the Giants to extend his deal through 2029 if they decide to commit to him long-term. These terms place his contract in the elite tier for rookie deals and underscore the franchise’s high hopes for his potential.
Jaxson Dart: Performance, Expectations & Net Worth
Dart was ranked as the 33rd quarterback on PFSN’s Impact Metrics, but did not begin the season as the starter. Instead, he served as the backup to veteran Russell Wilson. After the Giants stumbled to an 0–3 start, however, head coach Brian Daboll made a change and named Dart the new starter.
In his first career start in Week 4, he led New York to an upset victory over the previously unbeaten Chargers, 21–18, throwing for 111 yards and adding a rushing touchdown. The following week, Dart showed both his promise and his volatility. Against the New Orleans Saints, he passed for 202 yards and two touchdowns but also threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. The Giants committed five consecutive turnovers in a catastrophic 26–14 defeat, dropping their record to 1-4 just one week after securing their first win.
Adding to the team’s concerns, he recently dealt with a hamstring issue, but the team reported that he is expected to play through it. On the financial side, Dart’s net worth before entering the NFL was modest, with many sources estimating it at around $1 million, primarily built from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals during his college career.
His NIL portfolio reportedly included deals with Nicholas Air, Beats by Dre, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and C Spire, among others. Those endorsement opportunities will likely expand substantially as he continues his professional career.
Dart’s guaranteed contract gives him a financial cushion to grow, but his future ultimately depends on his on-field production and ability to limit mistakes. The fifth-year option allows the Giants to retain him beyond his rookie deal if he proves to be the answer at quarterback. Dart is now positioned as a rising star and a significant financial asset for the Giants.