Giants' Jaxson Dart Says He 'Ain't Scared' of Pressure from Playing in New York

The spotlight of playing in New York isn't a concern for Giants rookie Jaxson Dart.

Speaking to Steve Serby of the New York Post, Dart said he "ain't scared" of the pressure that is associated with being a first-round draft pick quarterback for the Giants.

"I ain’t scared of it. I told the coaches and the personnel department when I was on my visit here, I told them this is the place I wanted to be. I want to be on the biggest stage," Dart explained.

The Giants made a big bet on Dart by trading three picks to the Houston Texans for the No. 25 pick in the 2025 NFL draft to select the Mississippi star.

Dart came into a crowded quarterback room that already had Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, who were both signed as free agents in March. The positional depth does allow the Giants' coaching staff to ease Dart into things if they want to slow-play things with him.

The Giants haven't committed to a Week 1 starter at this point. Wilson would seem like the betting favorite given his experience and ability to make big plays, but there will be a lot of intrigue around Dart because of where he was drafted.

Dart is just the sixth quarterback ever drafted in the first round by the Giants and first since Daniel Jones in 2019. Scouting reports praised his athleticism, ability to throw from multiple arm angles and touch on passes in the middle of the field.

A three-year starter at Ole Miss, Dart was on the All-SEC first team in 2024. He finished third in FBS with 4,279 passing yards and tied for 10th with 29 passing touchdowns.

Whenever Dart does become the starter, he will be tasked with leading a Giants franchise that has just one playoff win since the 2012 season. They have three winning seasons since their victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 46.

Dart is among the group of Giants rookies who reported to training camp on July 15. The veterans will join them on Tuesday, followed by their preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 9.