NFL Exec Says Giants' Jaxson Dart 'Probably Shouldn't Play' as Rookie Behind Wilson

Despite the New York Giants' big bet on Jaxson Dart in the 2025 NFL draft, there's skepticism from people within the league about him playing as a rookie.

One NFL executive told The Athletic's Mike Sando that Dart "probably shouldn't play" in his first season.

"Some people think Dart is a year away, more of a project," the exec said. "They probably shouldn’t play him at all this year, or not until very late."

The Giants traded their picks in the second and third rounds (Nos. 34 and 99), plus a 2026 third-round pick to the Houston Texans for the 25th pick that was used to select Dart.

New York did plan for the possibility of needing a bridge option to give Dart development time. Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston were signed as free agents.

Head coach Brian Daboll didn't waver on Wilson being the starter going into the 2025 season even after the addition of Dart.

Even though Dart has extensive college experience as a three-year starter at Mississippi, the Lane Kiffin offense doesn't really prepare players for how to play in the NFL all that well.

The Ole Miss system relies heavily on the types of plays that take a lot of the burden off quarterbacks, like quick passes, RPOs and play-action.

One NFC executive told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler in February that Kiffin's system is a "mess" for incoming quarterbacks.

B/R's Dame Parson noted in his scouting report that Dart's processing if his first read isn't available is "slower than expected for a senior quarterback" and he "does not anticipate throwing lanes well at this stage of his career."

Dart did earn high marks for his athleticism and rushing ability, which did show up in games with 1,498 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground in 39 games over the past three seasons.

Wilson isn't necessarily the best quarterback to mentor a young player because his style of play is so unique that it doesn't really work for anyone else. He can play well enough to serve as a bridge to the future if the Giants don't consider Dart ready to start in 2025.