Stop me if you’ve heard this before — New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart needs more support. He needed help even when Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo were healthy, and now that they’re both done for the year, it’s downright critical.
Related: Absurd stat shows Jaxson Dart’s start is unlike anything anyone’s ever seen
Big Blue has to do right by its 22-year-old signal-caller. With Tuesday’s trade deadline looming, this is general manager Joe Schoen’s moment to roll up his sleeves and find Dart some reinforcements. Head coach Brian Daboll has already punted the responsibility upstairs, telling reporters trade negotiations are Joey's job and that he’s focused on developing the guys already on the roster.
And that’s where things get a little eyebrow-raising.
Speaking with reporters on Thursday, offensive coordinator Mike Kafka highlighted Wan’Dale Robinson as the team’s most consistent receiver in terms of technique. He then pivoted to praise practice squad receiver Ray-Ray McCloud — acquired after being released by the Atlanta Falcons — for quickly picking up the offense. And there's the quiet part being said out loud.
Giants banking on Wan’Dale Robinson, practice squad WRs to support Jaxson Dart
Kafka didn’t mean it as an indictment, but it kind of is. Propping up McCloud as a potential savior, just days before the trade deadline, signals how depleted this offense really is.
No matter how hard they try to frame it, this current group isn’t enough.
And then there’s Darius Slayton. Kafka didn’t mention him by name, but he didn’t need to. The 28-year-old had a golden opportunity to step into a larger role this season — especially with Nabers out — but has continued to prove he’s best suited as a WR3. That’s not necessarily a crime, but it’s not going to help Dart grow much either.
It’s Week 9. The Giants are 2-6. Their two most dynamic playmakers are shelved until 2026. Dart just won October's NFL Rookie of the Month, and the coaching staff is trying to sell the fan base on Robinson and a practice squad signing. That’s a tough sell.
If Schoen is serious about helping out his franchise quarterback, making a move before Tuesday's deadline would make sense. Jauan Jennings, Adonai Mitchell, and Calvin Ridley are some names to keep an eye out for.
Related trade articles:
Giants’ forgotten $20 million signing might be key to trade deadline fireworks
Giants facing deadline pressure as polarizing trade option surfaces
Giants could turn struggling first-round flop into sneaky trade swing
But to be clear, Robinson has been excellent. He’s on pace for a career-best season and likely a nice offseason payday. But let’s not pretend the job is close to done. Every move the Giants make from here on out should be about one thing: building around their franchise quarterback. If they’re serious about Dart, they need to act like it.