In the bright lights of his first NFL action, Jaxson Dart faced the ultimate test: proving he belonged on the New York Giants’ roster. With veteran Russell Wilson watching from the sidelines after just one series, the rookie quarterback had his chance to show what months of preparation had built toward.
How Did Jaxson Dart Perform in His NFL Debut Against the Bills?
Dart wasted no time making his mark on the Giants coaching staff during Saturday’s preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. After Wilson guided the Giants to a first-quarter field goal before heading to the bench, the stage belonged to the first-round draft pick out of Ole Miss.
The rookie quarterback delivered the moment Giants fans had been waiting for when he connected with wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey for a 28-yard touchdown strike in the second quarter. The scoring pass, which put New York ahead 10-0, marked Dart’s first NFL touchdown and showed the poise that made him such an attractive draft target.
JAXSON DART FIRST TD PASS IN THE NFL.
Lil’Jordan Humphrey on the other end!
Watch on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/afUQ8Ijt59— NFL (@NFL) August 9, 2025
By halftime, with the Giants holding a 16-10 advantage, Dart had posted impressive numbers for his debut. The rookie completed 12 of 19 passes for 154 yards and that one touchdown. Perhaps most importantly for a young quarterback, Dart avoided throwing any interceptions during his time on the field.
The performance showcased the arm talent that made Dart a record-setter at Ole Miss. After starting his college career at USC, Dart transferred to the Rebels and left his mark on the program’s history books. His 10,617 career passing yards broke a record previously held by former Giants quarterback and two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning.
During his senior season at Ole Miss, Dart threw for 4,279 yards and 29 touchdowns while averaging 10.8 yards per pass attempt. Those numbers convinced Giants management to trade a number of picks to select Dart in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Can Dart Secure a Roster Spot With the Giants?
The rookie’s debut comes at a crucial time for the Giants’ quarterback room. Head coach Brian Daboll faced heavy criticism during the 2024-25 season for his handling of Daniel Jones, who was eventually released and has since moved on to the Indianapolis Colts, where he’s competing with Anthony Richardson for the starting job.
Looking to stabilize their quarterback situation, Giants management signed veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston during the offseason. However, Dart is making his case for a backup role with his preseason performance against Buffalo.
The first-half showing gave Giants fans their first real glimpse of what the rookie brings to the table. While Daboll and his coaching staff will continue evaluating Dart’s progress as the preseason unfolds, Saturday’s performance demonstrated that the young quarterback is serious about earning his place on the roster, and potentially establishing himself as the future of the franchise.
For a player who broke Eli Manning’s passing records at Ole Miss, the transition to the NFL represents both an opportunity and a challenge. But if his debut against the Bills is any indication, Dart appears ready to embrace both the pressure and the potential that comes with wearing a Giants uniform.
