The New York Giants brass was busy in the offseason, completely revamping the quarterback room. It started with the signing of Jameis Winston on a two-year, $8 million deal. It was followed by Russell Wilson on a one-year $21 million contract, and it concluded with Jaxson Dart, who was drafted 25th overall.
There is no question that general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll are both on the hot seat going into the season after a combined nine wins in two seasons. They will want to show owner John Mara that they are heading in the right direction by winning games; unfortunately, they have the toughest strength of schedule in the NFL.
The debate will go all season on who the Giants should start between their two veterans and their first-round draft pick. In the short term, choosing either Wilson or Winston could win some games, while buying time for Dart to develop. The rule of thumb around the NFL, though, is that teams want to see if they have a franchise quarterback as quickly as possible, so starting him could answer that question.
The quarterback position in the NFL is one of the most volatile positions in sports, and every team is looking for either a franchise guy, a quality backup, or a plug-in player after an injury. The Giants now have two veterans who can fill the backup role or provide an injury solution for any team. If Winston and Wilson are competent to start the season, they can both be seen as important trade pieces as the season progresses.
Dealing away Winston or Wilson would move Dart up to the backup position and give him more QB1 snaps in practice and time at the end of blowout games. Moving him slowly to start the season would allow Dart to learn how pro quarterbacks prepare, study the playbook, and acclimate to the speed of the game.
If the Giants can get to their bye week in week 14 without Dart seeing first-team snaps, then that should be the time to get him fully immersed in the offense. He will have two weeks to work with the first team before back-to-back home games against the Washington Commanders and the Minnesota Vikings. He will have one road game at the Raiders before concluding the season at home against the Cowboys.
That final month stretch should help the coaching staff and the brass understand if Dart is the franchise quarterback. He will face three playoff teams, two divisional teams, and no prime-time games, which should keep his routine steady.
The Giants’ quarterback situation is going to be one of the more interesting battles to follow, not just in the preseason but in the regular season as well. Week to week, it will be a conversation on when Jaxson Dart sees playing time, especially if they are losing.
Daboll and Schoen will be under the gun, and if owner John Mara is forced to make a decision, he will probably fire the two of them and force Dart onto the field. Taking a careful approach to him is smart, as it would provide the best position to succeed.
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