Giants weigh Dart development with veteran plan

As Jaxson Dart shines in two preseason appearances, the Giants pursue a careful path that blends patient development with a veteran starter.

Giants balance Jaxson Dart development with veteran plan

In Saturday’s preseason win over the Jets, the Giants leaned on Jaxson Dart, who completed 14 of 16 passes for 137 yards, added a 1-yard rushing TD, and operated a quick, no-huddle attack tailored to his strengths. The display followed a strong debut in Buffalo and reinforces the team’s plan to develop Dart behind Russell Wilson, who remains the starter for now. The structure aims to keep Dart ready while avoiding a rushed timeline.

Daboll has emphasized a deliberate approach, giving Dart varied looks and input as part of a broader development plan. The coaching staff has drawn parallels to Daboll’s earlier work with Josh Allen, though he cautions this is a different situation with its own pace and roster. If Wilson stays efficient, the Giants can keep Dart on a longer arc; if Wilson falters, the rookie’s performance could accelerate the timetable. The practice environment and game reps are designed to build confidence without sacrificing team competitiveness.

The preseason has become a test of patience and strategy. By pairing a proven starter with a promising rookie, the Giants try to protect a young quarterback’s growth while maintaining a useful level of competitiveness. This approach reflects a common NFL playbook: develop in steps, not in a single breakout moment. The real challenge is balancing trust between staff and player with public expectations. If Dart continues to grow, the franchise could secure a durable quarterback option for years, but any misstep will invite scrutiny from fans and pundits who want urgency in the short term.

Highlights

The coming weeks will reveal how far the Giants push the plan before real games begin.