Heading into the 2025 season, the expectation for the New York Giants quarterback room was that Russell Wilson would be the primary starter, Jameis Winston the primary backup, and Jaxson Dart the third-string rookie who would sit, learn, and not make much of an impact.
That was the expectation heading in, right? Or so we all thought because the Giants' first-round rookie quarterback might have more of a say than anyone initially thought regarding where he lands on the depth chart when the 2025 season rolls around.
Jaxson Dart won't stop impressing during Giants offseason program
Dart impressed early and often during Day 1 of mandatory minicamp. He faired well, especially in comparison to the other QBs on the roster:
#Giants QB stats off the first day of mandatory minicamp ..
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) June 17, 2025
Russell Wilson: 9 of 13, 2 TDs
Jaxson Dart: 9 of 11, TD
Jameis Winston: 7 of 13, 2 TDs
Tommy DeVito: 0 for 1
Dart didn’t work in the first team period (red zone). He worked second in the rest of the team periods…
Granted, it was just the first day of minicamp for the G-Men, and those reps won’t show up on any stat sheet, but early on, Dart has been slowly climbing the ranks on the Giants’ quarterback depth chart. In terms of significance, he’s already well ahead of Tommy DeVito—who may not even be on the roster when the 2025 regular season begins.
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But he also seems to be creeping closer to Wilson and maybe even past Winston, who some think the Giants should consider trading to other quarterback-needy teams around the league. And who knows—once we get to training camp, if Dart has surpassed Winston on the depth chart, teams might be calling the Giants about Winston’s availability.
What could really signal a possible shake-up in the pecking order is the fact that Dart was working with the second team during OTAs. Winston was also getting reps with the second team, but Dart saw significant time in drills alongside the backups—which could be a sign that the Giants already view him in much higher regard than the average rookie, and possibly higher on the depth chart early on.
Jaxson Dart has been "excellent" in the Giants' spring program, says Brian Daboll:
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) June 17, 2025
"He's smart, he's aggressive with the football - which I like...he's progressed since he's been here" pic.twitter.com/mMcZe7ndOK
Once training camp begins next month, that will be the true test of where Dart and Winston stand. Depending on how effective Wilson is as the Giants’ starting quarterback, and if Dart continues to impress early on and throughout the summer, he could end up seeing the field a lot sooner than most expected when he was brought in. The initial feeling was that Dart would simply sit and learn during his rookie year while Wilson started the games in 2025 and Winston served as the backup.
Dart, though, might have his own plans if he continues to impress the Giants’ coaches and looks like a player ready to take on starting duties in his rookie season.