Darnell Mooney’s place with the Giants already looks shaky, and the offseason optimism around him has all but evaporated.
By the time the preseason wrapped up, the only people still truly buying into Mooney were the dynasty-league managers who had held onto him for years. Even with his past connection to offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and the early chatter that he could become a steady target for Jaxson Dart, it didn’t take long for the picture to change. Mooney settled in as little more than a reserve option, and at one point he was even mentioned as a possible cut, though that never happened.
Through two games, Mooney has been used, just not in any way that has forced the Giants to lean on him. He has four catches for 75 yards, with most of that coming on a 33-yard grab in Monday’s loss to the Rams. The snap totals are not the issue - he played 57 percent and then 72 percent of the offense’s snaps - but the production hasn’t matched the opportunity.
The larger problem for Mooney is the rest of the receiver room. Malik Nabers has avoided any setbacks with his knee, Isaiah Likely has exceeded expectations, and rookie Malachi Fields has already drawn 10 targets while posting four catches for 55 yards. Fields looks comfortable in Nagy’s system, which makes it even harder to see where Mooney fits.
There is at least one possible opening. Winston’s return to the starting lineup could create more chances for Mooney, but that feels unlikely unless injuries pile up again. Nabers briefly exited Monday’s loss with a shoulder injury, and the Giants have not said whether he will be available against the Titans, who are 0-2, this weekend.
Mooney also didn’t do much this summer to force the issue. Even with a favorable setup, he never separated himself. If you want to be generous, you can argue that the quiet was better than the alternative - no one was talking about drops or effort concerns.
Sunday afternoon could matter a lot in sorting out Mooney’s role. It’s at least possible that a receiver’s stock can rise when a backup quarterback takes over, and Arizona’s Michael Wilson did turn into a No. 1 receiver when Jacoby Brissett replaced Kyler Murray last fall.
Still, nobody is projecting Mooney to suddenly pile up 70-plus catches and 1,000 yards. That would be a welcome surprise, but it feels about as likely as Brian Daboll changing his excuses after a Titans loss.
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Giants QB Search Already Hit One Very Public Dead End
The Giants quarterback search has quickly become one of the leagues more watched side stories after Jaxson Darts season-ending knee injury left the team scrambling for answers. Jameis Winston is the current primary option, but the usual swirl of names followed almost immediately, with Shedeur Sanders and Jimmy Garoppolo both surfacing as possible alternatives as New York looks for stability under center.
One of those possibilities, at least publicly, has already gone nowhere. Derek Carr, who retired and has spent his time away from football focusing on personal interests like gaming, has dismissed any notion of a comeback, knocking down the kind of rumor that tends to follow a team when it is searching for help at quarterback. For the Giants, it is a reminder that finding a viable solution may be easier to discuss than to actually secure. [Read more 🡒]
Giants Suddenly Have A Familiar Quarterback Decision To Make
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DeVito would bring something the Giants value in this kind of emergency, namely NFL reps and some comfort with the organizations overall environment. He has played in 12 games and made eight starts, completing 65.3 percent of his passes with eight touchdowns and three interceptions, which is enough to make him a credible backup candidate while the Giants decide how aggressive they want to be. [Read more 🡒]
Jaxson Dart Gave Giants Fans One Reason To Smile This Week
The Giants got a sobering update on Jaxson Dart this week, with the rookie quarterbacks left knee injury serious enough to require surgery and end his 2026 season. The damage includes his MCL, PCL and meniscus, while the ACL remains intact, and head coach John Harbaugh confirmed Dart will miss the regular season as Jameis Winston steps into the starting role.
Even with the long recovery ahead, there was at least one encouraging note for Giants fans to hang onto: Harbaugh said Dart has a slim chance to return if the team reaches the playoffs. It is hardly the kind of news anyone wanted to be discussing after the injury, but in a season suddenly without its young quarterback, even a small opening can feel meaningful. [Read more 🡒]