In a move that could reshape the future of their franchise, the New York Giants have signed Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart after trading up in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Giants, who have been aggressively searching for a long-term solution at quarterback, struck a deal to move up from their No. 34 pick into the first round, selecting Dart in a surprise draft-day twist. With Daniel Jones no longer on the roster, the Giants are placing their trust in Dart to lead the team into a new era.
Jaxson Dart, who transferred from USC to Ole Miss in 2022, put together a stellar senior season that turned heads across the league. In 2024, he led the SEC with 4,279 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and a completion rate of 69.3%. He also topped the nation in yards per attempt (10.8) and passer rating (180.7), showcasing elite accuracy and deep-ball ability. His leadership and toughness on the field made him a favorite among scouts — and particularly appealing to Giants head coach Brian Daboll.
Sources close to the team say Daboll had been “especially high” on Dart throughout the pre-draft process, valuing his grit, mobility, and command of the offense. With their options limited at quarterback and a fan base hungry for change, the Giants made the aggressive move to ensure they landed their guy. “This is a quarterback we believe in,” said general manager Joe Schoen. “Jaxson has the mentality and skill set to thrive in New York.”
The Giants’ decision comes after months of speculation about their quarterback plans. While there had been early buzz connecting them to top prospects like Shedeur Sanders, that interest reportedly cooled in recent weeks. Dart emerged as a top target late in the process, and with his draft stock rising, the Giants knew they needed to act fast to secure him. The team packaged several mid-round picks to leap into the top 20 and finalize the signing.
Dart, known for his poise and football IQ, is expected to compete for the starting job immediately. While the Giants may still evaluate their quarterback room during camp, all signs point to Dart being the front-runner. “I’m ready for the challenge,” Dart said during his introductory press conference. “I’ve dreamed of this moment, and I’m ready to give everything I’ve got to this city and this team.”
With Dart now officially a Giant, the franchise turns a major corner in its rebuilding efforts. The team’s fan base has been waiting for a quarterback they can rally behind — and Jaxson Dart may just be that player. As the Giants prepare for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on their new QB1 to see if he can help bring the team back to playoff contention.
