With John Harbaugh in charge, expectations for the New York Giants have reached new heights. In 18 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, Harbaugh only won fewer than eight games once. Fans expect more of the same in New York.
But Bleacher Report writer Brad Gagnon is giving Harbaugh a longer leash. In his recent "Panic Meter" article, he assigned an urgency rating to every team in the NFL. His two out of ten rating for the Giants gives Harbaugh's squad a long runway, but it comes with an ominous warning for quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Gagnon said, "It kind of feels like gravy for a fun and intriguing young team that has limited short-term expectations. But if Jaxson Dart and that talented new core don't deliver at all in 2026, panic skyrockets in John Harbaugh's second season."
John Harbaugh's long Giants runway doesn't give Jaxson Dart a pass
Gagnon only dished out one 1/10 rating, and the Giants were one of four teams graded at 2/10. For Harbaugh specifically, the rating is more than fair. It's hard to imagine a scenario in which the head coach is truly on the hot seat at any point in 2026.
It's a different story for Dart. Harbaugh isn't tied to the second-year quarterback. Former head coach Brian Daboll was all-in on the QB before the 2025 NFL Draft, even pushing to take him instead of Abdul Carter with the third overall pick.
If Dart is a complete flop in 2026, Harbaugh will have every reason to move on. The 2027 draft class is expected to hold a few starting-caliber prospects at the position, and veterans like Baker Mayfield could be hitting the free agent market.
Dart doesn't need to be a superstar to secure his short-term future with Big Blue, but he will need to build on his rookie season. Last year, he recorded 24 touchdowns and ten turnovers in 12 starts, solid production for a rookie. But his affinity for risk raised questions about his long-term outlook. In Matt Nagy's system, he'll be pushed to make quick decisions, which could expose a lack of processing speed.
With Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo back to full health and Isaiah Likely working over the middle of the field, the young QB should be set up for success if he can adjust to a new system.
Surrounded by talented playmakers and an improved offensive line, Dart has all he needs to take a significant step forward in his second season. If he fails to meet Harbaugh's expectations, he could hit the hot seat sooner than anybody expects.
Add us as a preferred source on Google