When the New York Giants traded back into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft to select Jaxson Dart, it brought up a lot of Eli Manning flashbacks. The similarities are uncanny: both Ole Miss quarterbacks that the G-Men managed to trade for, where the only differences are the draft capital they traded and Eli's two Super Bowl rings.
While discussing every NFL team's best trade of all time, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knoxj obviously brought up the blockbuster trade that brought Manning to New York. But it could be soon that the man who broke all of his records in Oxford steals his thunder once again.
While No. 10's Hall-of-Fame campaign hangs in the balance, Knox called the 2004 swap between Manning and Phillip Rivers "a true win-win trade". Both quarterbacks are the best quarterbacks in their respective franchise's history and are near locks to end up in Canton donning gold jackets in the near future.
NFL insider suggests quarterback trades cold favor the Giants once again
But off of early return, the Dart deal looks like it can have a similar franchise-altering impact. Through six NFL starts, the first-round rookie has thrown 10 touchdowns to just three interceptions while his mobility has helped him add 251 rushing yards and five scores on the ground.
Yes, Big Blue is just 2-6 in games he's started, but the foundation is finally in place. Despite losing both Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo for the season due to injury, the 22-year-old has finally made the Giants' offense fun again, and managed to do so with his two best offensive weapons sidelined.
Moreover, his arm strength has flashed, and it looks like he has the personality to handle the scrutiny of the New York media in ways that most quarterbacks can't handle. That added pressure saw Daniel Jones falter, but Manning rode the wave to two Super Bowls and four Pro Bowl appearances.
And so far, he's rose to the occasion while exceeding fans' expectations. And his Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign is making the decision to part with two third-round picks for him to age gracefully. And that could be what saves Joe Schoen's job.
And that athleticism is something Manning never had. Like Dart, he had the fearlessness to stand and the pocket and endure big hits, but the rookie isn't scared of that abuse in the open field. However, it's that recklessness that has fans worried about the injury bug taking its toll on their new franchise QB.
Obviously, Dart has a long way (and multiple rings) to go until he's on Manning's level, but he's off to a hot start. And if he can sustain that while enjoying a similar ironman streak, conversations could truly be had down the line. Until then, here's hoping he's not another flash in the pan like rookie Jones was.