If you had to name an MVP for the Giants’ preseason debut against the Buffalo Bills, most would point to rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. In Big Blue’s 34-25 triumph in western New York, the first-round signal-caller went 12-19, throwing for 154 yards and a touchdown — not too shabby for his first taste of NFL action.
The 22-year-old was selected No. 25 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft after the Giants controversially opted to trade back into the first round for the Ole Miss product. After Shedeur Sander’s dazzling debut on Friday night, the Giants were criticized for passing on him, but Dart’s debut was just as impressive, if not more.
But Brian Daboll is aware he has a decision on his hands, which is why he opted to play all four quarterbacks on the roster. Russell Wilson has been named the Week 1 starter ever since he signed in New York this offseason, but the battle for QB2, between the rookie and former No. 1 pick Jameis Winston, is in full force.
Jaxson Dart is already putting pressure on the depth chart
Winston was listed ahead of the All-SEC quarterback on the Giants’ first (unofficial) depth chart, but he’s getting a run for his money. Dart’s debut was far from perfect — he nearly threw an interception in Bills territory, and he overthrew a few open receivers — but all in all still looked the part of an NFL quarterback.
This is especially impressive considering that three of his top pass-catchers, Malik Nabers, Jalin Hyatt, and Darius Slayton, did not suit up. The only first-team wideout to take the field was Wan’Dale Robinson, and he only appeared in the opening drive with Wilson.
Yet his most impressive connection did not come from Montrell Washington but from second-year running back Dante “Turbo Miller,” who amassed 80 receiving yards on seven catches. Dart also displayed poise and mobility under pressure, a rarity from a youngster playing behind such a suspect offensive line.
Perhaps the Utah native’s most impressive play of the day was his 28-yard touchdown pass to free agent pickup Lil’Jordan Humphrey. With pressure coming, he took an absolute shot from T.J. Sanders, but fought through the contact to deliver an absolute missile to the training camp standout to put New York up 10-0.
As for Winston, he went 7-11 with 56 passing yards and a touchdown, but the rookie’s poise, arm talent, and ability to deliver under pressure made a stronger impression. And he's been turning heads like this all summer long.
Daboll knows Rome wasn’t built in a day, so unlike the luxury he was afforded with Josh Allen, Dart has time to develop into this team’s QB of the future. And the early signs are encouraging.