Giants Face Quarterback Crisis as Jaxson Dart's Season Ends

Key points

• Jaxson Dart will undergo season-ending knee surgery after suffering injuries to his MCL, PCL, and meniscus during a loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
• Jameis Winston, recently signed to a two-year, $13 million extension, is the primary internal option but has a poor recent record as a starter.
• NBC Sports lists potential trade targets including Joe Flacco, Shedeur Sanders, and Gardner Minshew, noting that most available backups are unlikely to be significant upgrades.
• FOX Sports argues Winston is the 'best of terrible options' because other viable backups are either unavailable or too expensive to acquire.
• Heavy.com highlights Joe Milton III of the Dallas Cowboys as a potential practice-squad pickup, citing his strong preseason performance and mobility.

Background

The Giants had high expectations for the 2026 season after winning their opener against the Dallas Cowboys. This injury mirrors a similar crisis faced by the New York Jets in 2023 when Aaron Rodgers was injured, leading to a season-long decline. The team previously explored options like Andy Dalton and Tua Tagovailoa, but those players remain with their current teams.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports presents a neutral overview of options, noting that while Winston is the current choice, the market for upgrades is thin. FOX Sports is more critical, suggesting the Giants are 'damned if they do' and should commit to Winston for the short term, as other options like Mac Jones are too costly. Newsday emphasizes the risk of underreacting, comparing the situation to the Jets' 2023 collapse and urging the Giants to acquire a better backup if Winston fails. Heavy.com focuses on the specific opportunity to sign Joe Milton III from the Cowboys' practice squad, arguing he offers a better fit for the offense than Winston.

Why it matters

The Giants' season trajectory depends heavily on this decision. A poor performance by Winston could lead to a similar collapse as the 2023 Jets, while a successful trade could salvage the season. The availability of backups is limited due to injuries to other young quarterbacks like Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams.

What to watch

The Giants will start Jameis Winston against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. If he performs poorly, the team is expected to explore trades or free-agent signings, potentially targeting Joe Milton III or other available veterans.