Latest Giants Rumors on Jaxson Dart, Jameis Winston's QB2 Battle Behind Russell Wilson

Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart might be edging ahead of Jameis Winston to be the New York Giants' backup behind Russell Wilson, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Fowler reported Sunday on SportsCenter that Dart "has really made a compelling case for No. 2" on the basis of his work in the preseason:

"They love where Dart's at, how he's developed, both on the field and off. He's been a high achiever, fast learner, highly motivated, all those things. But head coach Brian Daboll made a key word last night, develop. He said he wants to continue to develop Dart. So, they're not going to rush him out there. Russell Wilson is entrenched as the starter, but Dart has helped himself as far as the QB2. He gets a lot of the second-team reps in the practices.

"Even last night, it was interesting. You saw him go in for a play when the first-team offense was out there; went and threw a screen pass. Maybe they have a package for him during the season. They can mix him in, have him as like a dual-threat option to at least get him some game experience. So, the Giants have to make a determination whether Jameis Winston would be the guy to go in as the veteran if Russell Wilson were to somehow get hurt during the season but right now Dart has really made a compelling case for No. 2. He seems to be entrenched in that role, somewhat, at least right now."

Daboll made it clear in July that Wilson will start under center in Week 1 against the Washington Commanders, and he repeated as much after Saturday' 31-12 win over the New York Jets.

Before training camp got underway, one would've presumed Winston was similarly settled as the backup. He has an obvious experience advantage over Dart, and the former Ole Miss star was considered going into the NFL draft more of a project than your typical first-year QB.

But Dart went 12-of-19 for 154 yards and a touchdown in the 34-25 victory over the Buffalo Bills in New York's preseason opener. He was even better on Saturday, finishing 14-of-16 for 137 yards and one score.

Looking ahead, Dart's role might also be partially influenced by the fact Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen are on the hot seat. If the Giants are on pace to miss the playoffs, then Dart's development would at least be something they could point to when justifying to ownership why they should stick around.

Some in the Big Apple might've thought the No. 25 overall pick was trending toward a bit of a redshirt year in 2025. Instead, he could be the primary beneficiary if Wilson flatters to deceive with the Giants.