Jaxson Dart fires back at calls for the Giants to draft a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft following win over the Raiders in Week 17
The New York Giants rookie quarterback responded to those who think he should be replaced in the 2026 NFL Draft
On Sunday afternoon, the New York Giants won their third game of the 2025 season against the Las Vegas Raiders. Thanks to a solid performance from rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, the Giants’ offense produced one of its best offensive outings of the year.
With a two-touchdown performance, one would expect the buzz would be around the rookie bouncing back after a rough stretch. Instead, there is a lingering narrative surrounding whether Dart is even a part of the franchise’s plans.
Early on Sunday, NFL Network insider Ian Rapaport reported that the Giants would evaluate everything in the offseason, including drafting a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. With all of the distractions, Dart made it clear he’s not getting caught up in the noise after the win.
“I’m going to continue to play my ball,” Dart told reporters. “I know I’m going to be here for a very long time. And I’m just excited to start winning more games and turn this place around and do my job. And we have a bright future. And that was one thing that I was just standing on the sideline. And I’m watching Abdul ball. I’m watching [Deonte Banks] ball.”
Jaxson Dart earned the right to stay with the Giants
Rapaport’s recent report wasn’t the first we’ve heard of this possibility of moving on from Dart. The local and national media were pitching it as a possibility if the Giants held the first overall pick. Now that the Giants hold the second overall selection, they’ll still be able to draft a quarterback if they choose.
There is still a potential to land a massive trade haul for the second overall pick, even if it’s a swap with the New York Jets, who currently have the third overall spot. To create a market for that pick, the Giants will need to pretend at least they’re considering taking one of the few quarterbacks away from teams desperate to find the franchise savior.
Most importantly, Dart hasn’t played nearly poorly enough to justify his being traded. Sure, Dart hasn’t been perfect and had a three-game stretch of poor play.
The most recent example of a quarterback who was traded just a year after going in the first round is Josh Rosen in 2018. As a rookie Rosen completed 55% of his passes for 2278 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions in 13 starts. The Arizona Cardinals went on to pick Kyler Murray, which has produced inconsistent results.
Dart has been significantly better with less starts, compiling a 13-5 TD-INT ratio and a 63% completion percentage. Not to mention 455 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns.
Dart needs time to prove himself before he’s abandoned. As Dart pointed out, he and the young core from his rookie class is proving they can be the group to turn the franchise aroud.
“When you just think about this rookie class, I think that we have a really bright future,” Dart stated. “And we’re going to be a big pivot and turn this thing around.”
Fellow first round pick Abdul Carter is a prime example of giving a player time and not rushing to panic. Despite a slow start, the elite prospect has produced 3.5 sacks, 6 TFL, 13 QB hits, and 20 tackles in the last five games.
It’s time to stop panicking and just be patient with the process.
New York Giants News
Jaxson Dart takes a major decision out of the Giants’ hands with a stellar Week 17 performance against the Las Vegas Raiders
New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart reminded fans why he’s the future of the franchise.
