It might sound like hyperbole, but the fallout from losing Jaxson Dart has a franchise-altering trickle-down effect on the New York Giants. Everyone is impacted by his suddenly bleak 2026 outlook, so why not start at the top with general manager Joe Schoen?
The Giants signed Schoen to a multi-year deal back in May, suggesting his job is safe — for now. But as former Baltimore Ravens head coach Brian Billick said, based on his own experience: "Signing a big contract extension doesn't mean you're going to be there, necessarily; it just means you're going to be paid."
For better or worse, the NFL is a results-driven business, and Schoen's track record precedes him in the worst way. New York is tied for the third-fewest wins in the league since he was hired in 2022 (23) and has posted three straight losing campaigns. His leash has been stretched surprisingly far, and expectations were raised with John Harbaugh's arrival, making Dart's availability (or lack thereof) a potential death knell.
How does Jaxson Dart's gutting injury affect Giants GM Joe Schoen?
Things have quickly gone from bad to worse to possibly catastrophic. Dart tried to reenter the game after getting hurt in the Giants' disastrous 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. He was eventually ruled out for the night with what was initially believed to be an MCL sprain, which has devolved into a doomsday scenario.
If their showing against the Rams is any indication, New York is in trouble without Dart. The offense cratered following his departure from the contest, and the defense doesn't appear ready to pick up the slack. Put it all together, and Big Blue could be headed toward another lost season under Schoen.
Maneuvering for Dart (and star wide receiver Malik Nabers) has arguably been Schoen's biggest achievement with the G-Men. It's not easy to identify a game-changing talent at football's most important position. However, the football gods can taketh as easily as they giveth.
Does John Harbaugh lose patience?
Lest we forget, Schoen found himself on the losing end of a reported "power struggle" this offseason. He ceded the high ground in the Giants' new hierarchy centered around Harbaugh. In other words, the only reason the former wasn't only retained but also extended is that the latter OK'd the move.
Situations like this are fluid, though, and don't account for the absence of the club's most valuable player. The duo has gone on the record to let us all know that their working relationship is a collaborative effort and they're in sync. One wrong turn, especially involving Dart, may prompt Harbaugh to make changes, with moving on from Schoen being the easiest adjustment for the front office.
New York sinking sans Dart would be a massive indictment of the roster Schoen's had a hand in putting together. Of course, this squad has several Harbaugh recruits from his Baltimore days, yet there are 100 million reasons why he won't be the fall guy.
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