The 2025 season was a tough one for the New York Giants - no way around it. A 4-13 finish, last place in the NFC East for the second straight year, and the fifth time in the past nine seasons. It’s not the kind of trend anyone in the building wants to see continue, and the injuries certainly didn’t help.
The Giants were hit hard on the offensive side of the ball. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart missed time, and he wasn’t alone.
Running back Cam Skattebo and wide receiver Malik Nabers - both expected to play key roles - saw their seasons cut short by injuries. For a team trying to build chemistry and momentum with a young core, those absences were brutal.
But even in a season filled with setbacks, there were bright spots. And for the Giants, two of them were rookies who managed to shine through the adversity.
Jaxson Dart: A Glimmer of Hope at Quarterback
Despite missing multiple games, Dart’s performance was strong enough to earn him a spot as one of five finalists for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. That’s no small feat considering the competition and his limited availability.
Joining Dart in the finalist pool are Panthers wideout Tetairoa McMillan, Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, Buccaneers receiver Emeka Egbuka, and Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson. It’s a stacked group, but Dart’s inclusion speaks volumes about the impact he made when he was on the field.
He showed poise beyond his years, flashed the arm talent that made him a first-round pick, and gave Giants fans something they haven’t had in a while - hope under center. That kind of recognition, especially in a season where the offense struggled to stay healthy, is a testament to Dart’s potential.
Abdul Carter: A Defensive Anchor in the Making
Dart isn’t the only Giant up for hardware. Linebacker Abdul Carter, the team’s first-round pick, is also a finalist - this time for Defensive Rookie of the Year. And it’s well deserved.
Carter joins a talented group that includes Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger, Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr., Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori, and Falcons safety Xavier Watts. All five have made their presence felt this season, but Carter’s nomination is especially encouraging for a Giants defense that’s been searching for a cornerstone.
From day one, Carter brought energy, athleticism, and a physical edge to the defense. He played fast, hit hard, and rarely looked like a rookie. If the Giants are going to turn things around in the coming years, Carter looks like a player they can build around.
When Will the Winners Be Announced?
Both Dart and Carter will find out if they’re taking home awards during the 2026 NFL Honors, which will air on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 9 p.m. ET.
The event will be broadcast on NBC, and fans can also stream it on Peacock and NFL+. This year’s ceremony takes place at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, providing a fittingly grand stage for the league’s biggest individual honors.
A Look at the Other Finalists Across the League
The Giants may have two rookies in the running, but they’re part of a broader field of standout performers from across the league. Here’s a quick look at some of the other major award finalists:
MVP Finalists
- Matthew Stafford
- Drake Maye
- Josh Allen
- Christian McCaffrey
- Trevor Lawrence
Offensive Rookie of the Year Finalists
- Jaxson Dart
- Tetairoa McMillan
- Tyler Shough
- Emeka Egbuka
- TreVeyon Henderson
Defensive Rookie of the Year Finalists
- Abdul Carter
- Carson Schwesinger
- James Pearce Jr.
- Xavier Watts
- Nick Emmanwori
Defensive Player of the Year Finalists
- Myles Garrett
- Micah Parsons
- Will Anderson Jr.
- Aidan Hutchinson
- Nik Bonitto
Coach of the Year Finalists
- Ben Johnson
- Liam Coen
- Mike Macdonald
- Kyle Shanahan
- Mike Vrabel
Comeback Player of the Year Finalists
- Dak Prescott
- Christian McCaffrey
- Stefon Diggs
- Trevor Lawrence
- Aidan Hutchinson
Assistant Coach of the Year Finalists
- Brian Flores
- Klint Kubiak
- Vic Fangio
- Josh McDaniels
- Vance Joseph
For the Giants, a season that ended with more questions than answers still managed to offer a glimpse into a potentially brighter future. Dart and Carter have given fans a reason to believe - and on February 5, they just might give the franchise a little something to celebrate.