Jaxson Dart's confidence is among the many redeeming qualities that have positioned him as the New York Giants' franchise quarterback -- or so we thought. However, recent intel suggests that's not a foregone conclusion if they end up with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Will the Giants seriously consider Indiana signal-caller Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, if given the chance? NFL Network's Ian Rapoport suggested that's possible not long before the Week 17 Sunday slate of action. Then, Dart proceeded to put up his best performance in over a month and in New York's (costly) victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
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Perhaps the Giants' front office leaked this information to maximize trade leverage when the time comes, or maybe they truly love Mendoza (or another prospect). Either way, this type of uncertainty can mess with a player's psyche, especially a young one. Yet, Dart didn't seem very worried when asked about the matter postgame.
Jaxson Dart downplays report that Giants could draft QB if they land No. 1 pick
Rapoport threw Giants fans for a loop, reporting that "all options" are on the table should New York land the top selection this coming spring. Shockingly, this includes choosing Dart's replacement, though he expressed faith in himself and his fellow rookie class when discussing their long-term outlook in New York:
"I'm going to continue to play my ball. I know I'm going to be here for a very long time, and I'm just excited to start winning more games and turn this place around and do my job, and we have a bright future. And that was one thing that, I was just standing on the sideline and I'm watching Abdul [Carter] ball, I'm watching DA [Darius Alexander] ball. Skat [Cam Skattebo] was here today, and when you just think about this rookie class, I think that we have a really bright future, and we're going to be a big pivot and turn this thing around."Jaxson Dart via Giants.com
In case his on-field efforts weren't enough, Dart backed up the strong outing in Las Vegas with words when addressing the media. The electrifying dual-threat ostensibly sees the 34-10 win against the Raiders as proof of concept for what lies ahead. He's focused on the things in his control rather than letting the outside noise rattle him.
Dart admittedly didn't even see the news regarding the Giants' potential interest in Mendoza, and it showed. The former completed 22 of 30 passes for 207 yards, plus 48 rushing yards and two touchdowns on nine carries, versus Las Vegas.