The New York Giants didn’t get many wins in 2025, but they may have found something even more valuable: a quarterback with real franchise potential. Despite the 4-13 record, Jaxson Dart gave Giants fans a reason to believe again. Now, with John Harbaugh taking the reins and a healthier roster on the horizon, the buzz around Dart is starting to go national.
Jaxson Dart: From Rookie Grit to Breakout Watch
After trading up to snag him at No. 25 overall, the Giants threw Dart into the fire, and he responded with poise, playmaking, and flashes of something special. Pro Football Focus recently named him the Giants’ top breakout candidate for 2026, and it’s easy to see why.
Even with the deck stacked against him-his top wideout Malik Nabers went down in his very first start, running back Cam Skattebo was lost by Week 8, and left tackle Andrew Thomas missed four games-Dart still posted a 68.4 PFF grade. That’s not just surviving; that’s thriving in chaos.
A Rookie Season Worth Remembering
Let’s break down what Dart actually did in 2025. In just 12 starts, he put up numbers that already rank among the best rookie seasons in Giants history:
| Category | Stat | Giants Rookie Rank (All-Time) |
|---|
| Passing Yards | 2,272 | 2nd | | Passing TDs | 15 | 3rd |
| Interceptions | 5 | 1st (Lowest for 12+ starts) | | Completion % | 63.7% | 1st |
| Passer Rating | 91.7 | 1st | | Rushing Yards | 487 | 1st (QB) |
| Rushing TDs | 9 | 1st (QB - Franchise Record) | | Total TDs | 24 | 3rd |
Those numbers tell the story of a quarterback who wasn’t just managing games-he was making plays, with both his arm and his legs. Dart became the first rookie in NFL history to record 2,200+ passing yards, 450+ rushing yards, and 24 total touchdowns while throwing five or fewer picks. That’s not just rare-it’s unprecedented.
Dual-Threat Dynamism
What makes Dart so intriguing is his ability to hurt defenses in multiple ways. His 5.2% big-time throw rate ranked 8th in the league, showing he’s not afraid to push the ball downfield. That kind of aggressiveness is exactly what Harbaugh tends to lean into, especially with quarterbacks who can extend plays.
On the ground, Dart was just as dangerous. His 76.9 PFF rushing grade ranked 9th among all quarterbacks, and his 9 rushing touchdowns not only set a franchise record for a QB, but also placed him third all-time among rookie quarterbacks league-wide-trailing only Cam Newton and Billy Kilmer. He even scored a rushing touchdown in five straight games, a testament to how consistently his legs impacted the game.
What Year 2 Could Look Like Under Harbaugh
Now comes the fun part. With John Harbaugh in charge and a system likely tailored to Dart’s strengths, the table is set for a serious sophomore leap. Harbaugh has a track record with dual-threat quarterbacks, and Dart’s combination of speed, vision, and deep-ball accuracy fits that mold.
Getting Malik Nabers back healthy will be huge. Nabers was supposed to be Dart’s go-to guy before the injury derailed their connection. If the Giants can also bring back Wan’Dale Robinson and shore up the offensive line, Dart won’t have to carry the offense on his own.
That’s the key. In 2025, Dart had to play hero ball more often than not. In 2026, with better protection, more weapons, and a coaching staff that knows how to develop quarterbacks like him, he can settle into a role where efficiency and explosiveness go hand-in-hand.
The Verdict: Dart’s Star Is Rising
The Giants may have had a rough ride last season, but they’re heading into 2026 with something they haven’t had in a long time-a quarterback who looks like he belongs in the league’s upper tier. Jaxson Dart didn’t just survive his rookie year; he made history in the process. And if the pieces around him stay healthy and Harbaugh’s system clicks, we could be looking at the next big thing in the NFC East.
The breakout isn’t coming. It’s already started.