In a move that would dramatically change the course of the NFL offseason, the New York Giants are reportedly questioning if Jaxson Dart is their quarterback of the future.
Dart, 22, has been one of the few bright spots for the Giants this season after replacing Russell Wilson as the No 1 starter in what has otherwise been a miserable campaign. They met Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday and with both teams at 2-13, the loser will be in pole position for the first pick of the 2026 Draft.
That will likely be the Raiders, with the Giants surging into a 14-3 lead in the second quarter of the game in Vegas.
But the vert fact that NFL Insider Ian Rapoport said on Sunday that they would consider taking Indiana Hoosers quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman trophy winner, if they had the first pick indicates how Dart does not have complete support over his role for the future.
‘The Giants could have the No 1 pick. Expect them to evaluate all options, including looking at Fernando Mendonza before they make a decision on how they are going to proceed, if they have this pick,’ Rapoport said on Sunday.
The Giants would blow the offseason apart if they do move for a new quarterback. A No 1 pick, or even top three, was widely considered to be trade capital for the organization that would allow them to rebuild in other areas, around Dart.
Jaxson Dart faces uncertainty over his long-term future as New York Giants quarterback
Dart has been a rare bright spot for the Giants in what has been a miserable season
There are other quarterbacks available for trade, as well. Tua Tagovailoa’s time at Miami Dolphins is all but over, while there are question marks over Joe Burrow at Cincinnati Bengals and even Lamar Jackson at Baltimore Ravens.
Burrow and Jackson would require a huge haul but scrutiny has increased over their positions in recent weeks. Tagovailoa, meanwhile, is a year into a huge four-year, $212million deal.
The Giants traded back up into the first round of the 2025 Draft to take Dart out of Ole Miss after picking pass rusher Abdul Carter at No 3.
They planned to have Dart as backup in his rookie season to Wilson, who just never got going in New York.
Dart replaced him in Week 4 off the back of growing fan unrest with Wilson and the rookie has been met with huge support ever since.
But as the season spluttered to another disaster, the Giants fired head coach Brian Daboll in November with the team on 2-8.
The team hasn’t won since, but in the eyes of many Dart is the spearhead of a team that still has a few encouraging puzzle pieces in place for a potential resurgance next season.
Wide receiver Malik Nabers, one of the best in the league, tore his ACL in Week 3 against Los Angeles Chargers but is on track to be ready for Week 1 in 2026.
The Giants are set for a high pick in the 2026 Draft after yet another tough season
Cam Skattebo also emerged as a dangerous weapon at running back, before his season was curtailed by a sickening leg injury where he fractured his leg and dislocated his ankle.
Like Nabers, Skattebo is expected to be fine for 2026 and the two players are a huge draw for whoever eventually replaces Daboll as head coach.
After Sunday’s game in Vegas, the Giants round out the season on January 4 against the Dallas Cowboys.
