The New York Giants made it a clear mission this offseason to upgrade their quarterback situation—one that was arguably the weakest in the NFL last year. Addressing that problem was always going to be a priority, and general manager Joe Schoen didn’t hold back.
Schoen made three major moves to bolster the position, but the boldest came in the 2025 NFL Draft, when the Giants traded up to grab Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart with the 25th overall pick. While some critics called the move a reach, many see the strategy behind it: surround a young, promising quarterback with the right structure and support to grow into the future face of the franchise.
Giants Rated Top Spot for Rookie QB Fit
According to Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus, Dart landed in the ideal situation. In a recent ranking of the 2025 rookie quarterbacks based on team fit, the Giants came in at No. 1:
“Given the learning curve Dart will face moving from Ole Miss’s offense to a pro-style system, New York offers a great setup,” Wasserman wrote. “With Brian Daboll’s track record of developing quarterbacks like Josh Allen, and with Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in the building, Dart won’t be rushed into action.”
Dart may have been one of the top-performing QBs in college last year, leading the FBS in passing grade, but he’s still a work in progress. The Giants, however, offer the perfect place for him to sit, learn, and mature without being forced onto the field too soon.
Giants’ 2025 gauntlet may have already decided Jaxson Dart’s debut
Jaxson Dart
A Smart Setup for the Future
The team’s most impactful offseason signing might have been Russell Wilson, who brings veteran leadership and starting experience to a team that lacked both last season. With Jameis Winston also onboard as a backup, the Giants now have a strong quarterback room that can shield Dart from early pressure.
Wilson may no longer be the elite player he once was, but he’s still a solid starter. That gives New York a bridge year, allowing Dart to ease into the NFL behind the scenes while learning from proven pros and developing under a coach known for maximizing quarterback potential.
If things go according to plan, Dart won’t need to take a single snap in 2025. Instead, Wilson will lead the team this season while Dart gets ready to take over in 2026—potentially becoming the next franchise quarterback for Big Blue.
