Jaxson Dart’s development as the New York Giants’ franchise quarterback faces a new test. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, who worked with Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City over the past few years, publicly acknowledged that the second-year quarterback is dealing with growing pains in training camp as he learns a completely different offensive system. For a Giants team trying to build around Dart after his raw but promising rookie season, Nagy’s comments add a layer of concern to the situation.

According to Pat Leonard of the NY Daily News, Nagy mentioned that while Dart is “super talented,” the second-year quarterback is experiencing “struggles in camp” and has “areas he needs to get better at” while learning the position’s nuances and a new offense.

It’s difficult for any young quarterback to learn a new system, especially when the structure is so different from what Dart ran as a rookie under former head coach Brian Daboll. The fact that an offensive coordinator would publicly frame the situation that way is notable, even if it’s likely part of the natural process of installing a new offense.

New coaching infrastructure brings more experience

The Giants overhauled their coaching staff this offseason to give Dart a better support system. Nagy arrived as the new offensive coordinator, bringing head coaching experience and years of working alongside Mahomes in Kansas City’s system. Former Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan is the new quarterbacks coach and pass game coordinator. Greg Roman also joined as a senior offensive assistant.

That’s a significant amount of NFL experience dedicated to compensating for a young quarterback who was visibly raw as a passer during his first season. Dart’s athleticism provides a reliable floor in terms of what he can produce on the field, but refining him as a passer is the priority for this coaching group.

Lack of offensive weapons

One issue that could aggravate Dart’s struggles is the Giants’ lack of offensive weapons beyond the top of the roster. Wide receiver Malik Nabers is one of the best young receivers in the NFL, and Dart has developed a connection with tight end Isaiah Likely throughout camp. But beyond those two, New York doesn’t have the well-rounded receiving corps that would make a young quarterback’s life easier.

At this stage of his career, it’s hard to envision Dart truly elevating an offense on his own. If he’s already struggling to learn the new system, he would benefit from better personnel around him to produce at a higher level.

This is the first step for head coach John Harbaugh’s staff in building an offense around Dart. The Giants don’t necessarily need to win in 2026 to consider the season a success in terms of long-term development. But how Dart learns this offense and how effectively he operates it will be determining for New York’s future, at least with this version of the roster and Dart as the quarterback.