Jaxson Dart Gets Promoted As New QB2

Well, well, well. Look who’s climbing the ladder faster than a kid trying to reach the cookie jar. The New York Giants have officially named rookie Jaxson Dart as the team’s No. 2 quarterback on their depth chart heading into Week 1 against Washington. Honestly? It’s about time someone in that organization showed they have a pulse at QB.

The Preseason Performance That Demanded Attention

Let’s talk numbers, because Dart’s preseason performance was the kind that makes front offices sweat in their expensive suits. The kid completed 32 of 47 passes for 372 yards and three touchdowns without throwing a single interception. Oh, and he added a rushing touchdown for good measure as well.

The former Ole Miss star didn’t just look competent; he looked like someone who belonged on an NFL field from day one. His decision-making was crisp, his arm looked live, and most importantly, he didn’t turn the ball over. He impressed in the preseason game against the Jets, too.

Wilson Gets the Nod, But For How Long?

Russell Wilson will start Sunday against Washington, which makes sense from a “let’s not throw our rookie to the wolves immediately” perspective. Wilson’s the veteran, the former Super Bowl champion, the guy they brought in specifically to be the bridge quarterback while Dart develops.

Wilson looked solid enough in his brief preseason appearances, and he did throw three touchdowns against these same Commanders last season while wearing a Steelers uniform. But let’s be real: Giants fans aren’t exactly known for their patience when things go sideways, and Wilson’s not exactly known for his durability these days.

The Giants’ Quarterback Conundrum

This whole situation puts the Giants in an interesting spot. They’ve got a rookie who looks ready to play now, a veteran who’s supposed to keep the seat warm, and a fanbase that’s been starved for competent quarterback play longer than most people can remember.

Dart being officially listed as QB2 isn’t just a depth chart decision—it’s a statement. It says the coaching staff believes he’s ready to contribute immediately if needed. Then again, trading up to get him was proof of the belief in Dart.

What This Means Moving Forward

In a league where rookie quarterbacks are often thrown into the fire whether they’re ready or not, the Giants appear to be taking a more measured approach. But measured doesn’t mean slow. If Wilson struggles early, don’t be surprised if Dart gets his shot sooner rather than later. The kid has already proven he can handle the pressure and make the throws. More importantly, he’s shown something that’s been missing from Giants quarterback play for years: the ability to not actively hurt his team.

The Bottom Line

Look, we’ve all seen rookie quarterbacks who look great in preseason and then crumble when the lights get bright and the hits get harder. But there’s something different about Dart. Maybe it’s the poise he showed at Ole Miss, maybe it’s the way he carried himself during training camp, or maybe it’s just the desperate hope of Giants fans looking for any reason to believe.

Whatever it is, Dart has officially leapfrogged Winston and positioned himself as the heir apparent to Wilson’s starting job. Whether that transition happens in Week 3 or Week 13 remains to be seen, but make no mistake—it’s coming. There is potential in Dart, and it will be interesting to see him play a regular season game.