iStockphoto / © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The New York Giants selected quarterback Jaxson Dart with a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Recent reporting suggests they may again take a signal caller with a top pick in 2026.
Dart has been one of the league’s top rookies on the field this year. That has not shielded him from criticism. Most recently, CBS Sports analyst Danny Kanell questioned his future in the Big Apple.
“I don’t know if Jaxson Dart is the long-term answer for the Giants,” he said after a Week 17 matchup against the Raiders. “When I think of a first-round draft pick, I think it’s somebody that you should picture for 10-12 years is going to be your guy.
“I still haven’t seen the development as a passer… I want to see him take that next step as a passer, and I just haven’t seen it yet.”
“I don’t know if Jaxson Dart is the long-term answer for the Giants.”@dannykanell pic.twitter.com/qJpsXbfc3L
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 29, 2025
Jaxson Dart’s dad was not a fan of the commentary.
Brandon Dart quickly responded to Kanell’s criticism with a shot online. “Bro, Eat a Fat One,” he wrote on X while reposting the shade.
Dart took over for the Giants in late September, unseating Russell Wilson to grab the starting job. He’s since seen ups and downs, which is to be expected by all rookies.
On the year, he’s thrown for 2,042 yards and 13 scores to just five interceptions. New York has gone 3-8 across his 11 starts.
He’s also proven to be dangerous as a runner, finding the endzone nine times while totaling 455 rushing yards. His versatility makes him a weapon under center.
At last look, Dart ranks fifth in the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year race.
Despite the production, there is a belief that New York could select another passer in the upcoming NFL Draft.
The Giants should have a Top 5 pick.
Jaxson Dart led the team to a convincing 34-10 victory over the Raiders on Sunday. The quarterback ran for two scores while posting a 200-yard passing performance.
That win gives Las Vegas an inside track to landing the No. 1 overall pick in 2026. Still, the Giants hold the No. 2 slot at the time of this writing.
New York is 3-13 through 16 games. They’ll finish up with a season finale against Dallas.
A loss all but ensures a Top 5 draft pick next April. Will the Giants take another signal caller? It is a legitimate possibility.
“Expect them to evaluate all options, including looking at [Indiana QB] Fernando Mendoza before they make a decision on how they’re going to proceed if they have this pick.”
-Ian Rapoport / NFL Network
Mendoza may not be on the board past the top spot. Still, passers like Dante Moore and Ty Simpson currently boast Top 5 standing in many mock drafts.
That will leave the Giants with a decision to make. Continue on with their belief in Dart or take a chance on bringing in competition.
The quarterback responded to the speculation in his most recent media availability. He is doing his best to block out the noise.
“I’m going to continue to play my ball. I know I’m going to be here for a very long time. I’m excited to start winning more games and turn this place around, do my job…
“When you think about this rookie class, we have a really bright future and we’re going to be a really big pivot and turn this thing around.”
-Jaxson Dart
Jaxson Dart has no intention of ceding the starting role. He anticipates leading the offense for years to come, which would prove Kanell and other critics wrong.