Jaxson Dart had a somewhat promising rookie season with the New York Giants. It wasn’t necessarily a great statistical season for the quarterback, but it was certainly passable for a rookie and promising given the type of athleticism he displayed and his ability purely as a passer. Now, one analyst in particular has compared Dart to a potential 2026 version of what New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye was last year, at least from a fantasy football perspective. That’s enough to leave Giants fans excited about what’s ahead.

Sports Illustrated’s Michael Fabiano wrote about Dart and his potential breakout season in 2026:

“Dart is my favorite breakout quarterback for this season. He finished 13th in points as a rookie, but he averaged more than 17 fantasy points in his 14 games (12 starts). A dual-threat quarterback, he rushed for 487 yards and nine touchdowns. Dart also found success as a passer, and he did it without his top option, Malik Nabers. With Nabers and Cam Skattebo back in action, Dart will have plenty of weapons and a terrific shot at being this year’s Drake Maye.” — Michael Fabiano

That comparison is worth examining because Maye was solid, if unspectacular, as a rookie before making a massive leap in 2025. Maye earned second-team All-Pro honors, made the Pro Bowl, and led the NFL in passer rating while guiding the Patriots to the Super Bowl this past season. Maye had 4,394 yards, a 72% completion rate, 31 touchdown passes, eight interceptions, and a 113.5 passer rating.

With Nabers and the rest of the receiving corps back in action, Dart will have plenty of weapons and a legitimate shot at being this year’s Maye. Maybe not with the same ceiling, but in terms of jump from Year 1 to Year 2. 

Different paths, similar potential

Maye came into the NFL as a much more refined passer than Dart, who obviously needs more development. But Dart’s athleticism and ability to extend plays with his legs could accelerate his growth in the NFL.

Dart completed 63.7% of his passes last season, throwing for 2,272 yards in 14 games (12 starts), 15 touchdown passes, five interceptions, and a 91.7 passer rating. The advanced statistics also painted a picture of a relatively efficient quarterback as a rookie. After taking over from veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, Dart finished 13th in adjusted EPA per play and 17th in success rate, a metric measuring down-by-down consistency. He needs to be more consistent there, but the efficiency was encouraging.

And that’s considering the circumstances surrounding him. Dart dealt with a banged-up offensive line, a coaching staff that has already been fired, and without Nabers.

Dart will benefit from natural second-year growth, and the supporting cast around him looks significantly improved. Nabers is back and healthy, the Giants signed tight end Isaiah Likely in free agency, tackle Andrew Thomas is still healthy. And New York has a new coaching staff led by head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy.

If those pieces come together and Dart can make the type of leap Maye made, that would be an exciting and successful season for the Giants by itself.