Jaxson Dart Deserves More Respect - And the Numbers Back It Up
The Giants may have finished 4-8 with Jaxson Dart under center, but make no mistake - they found their quarterback of the future. And yet, in NFL.com’s latest quarterback rankings, Dart checks in at No. 23 out of the 63 quarterbacks who started a game in 2025.
That’s behind names like Daniel Jones, Aaron Rodgers, Bo Nix, Jalen Hurts, Bryce Young, and Tyler Shough. If you’re scratching your head, you’re not alone.
Let’s break this down.
Dart vs. Daniel Jones: The Production Gap
Daniel Jones is slotted at 12th in the rankings, despite a season that saw him throw for 3,101 yards in 13 games before an Achilles injury sidelined him. Solid numbers, sure - but they don’t exactly leap off the page, especially when you compare them to what Dart did in his first year.
Dart, a rookie on a rebuilding Giants team, threw for 2,272 yards and 15 touchdowns, while adding 487 yards and nine scores on the ground. That’s 24 total touchdowns - more than Jones - on a roster that was, frankly, one of the least talented in the league.
And here’s the kicker: the Giants didn’t win a single game without Dart under center. He wasn’t just a rookie learning the ropes - he was the engine of the offense.
His ability to extend plays, create with his legs, and protect the football (just five interceptions in 14 games) gave New York a fighting chance week in and week out. That kind of impact goes beyond the box score.
Rodgers at 16? The Name Still Carries Weight, But the Game Doesn’t
Aaron Rodgers, now 41 and coming off a season with the Steelers, is ranked 16th. He had the benefit of throwing to DK Metcalf and Pat Freiermuth - a far cry from the receivers Dart had in New York, where Wan’Dale Robinson was the only consistent target. And while Rodgers still has the mind for the game, the mobility and playmaking magic that once defined him have faded.
Dart, meanwhile, brought a dynamic element Rodgers no longer possesses. His nine rushing touchdowns tied for ninth among all quarterbacks - a stat that speaks to his red-zone value and ability to keep defenses honest.
The comparison isn’t about what Rodgers was - it’s about what he is now. And right now, Dart offers more.
The Supporting Cast Argument: Bo Nix and Jalen Hurts
Bo Nix (ranked 18th) and Jalen Hurts (19th) both had significantly stronger supporting casts. Nix had Sean Payton calling the shots in Denver - one of the sharpest offensive minds in the game.
Hurts had a full arsenal: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Saquon Barkley.
That’s a luxury Dart didn’t come close to enjoying.
Despite that, Dart held his own. He threw just five interceptions all season - a number both Nix (11 INTs) and Hurts (6 INTs) couldn’t match.
And while his 63.7% completion rate leaves room for growth, the context matters. Dart was operating behind a patchwork offensive line, with limited weapons, and a coaching staff in flux.
He still protected the ball and made plays.
Bryce Young and Tyler Shough: Ranking Over Reality
Bryce Young and Tyler Shough landing ahead of Dart at 21st and 22nd, respectively, is where the rankings start to lose credibility.
Young, while improved, has already been benched once in his young career and has struggled with consistency. Shough, meanwhile, posted 10 touchdowns and six interceptions in 11 games for the Saints - numbers that don’t stack up to Dart’s production or impact.
Shough’s 2,384 passing yards are comparable, but he didn’t provide the same dual-threat presence. Dart’s legs were a legitimate weapon, and his ability to escape pressure kept the Giants in games they had no business competing in.
The Bottom Line: Dart’s Rookie Season Was Special
Let’s take a step back and look at the full picture. Jaxson Dart, as a rookie:
- Threw for 2,272 yards and 15 touchdowns
- Ran for 487 yards and nine touchdowns
- Had just five interceptions in 14 games
- Accounted for 24 total touchdowns
- Played on a 4-8 team that didn’t win a game without him
That’s not just solid. That’s impressive - especially when you consider the lack of stability around him.
Even the original ranking noted that Dart “electrified New York in a fashion it desperately needed.” And yet, he’s still slotted at 23rd.
The critique that he “puts himself in harm’s way” is something you hear about almost every young quarterback who dares to make plays outside the pocket. That’s part of the growth curve. What matters is that Dart showed poise, toughness, and leadership - all while putting up numbers that should’ve vaulted him much higher on the list.
And let’s not ignore the ripple effect. John Harbaugh didn’t take the Giants job without believing in the quarterback. His arrival is a clear signal: this team has its guy, and it’s ready to build around him.
What’s Next for Dart?
If Dart’s rookie season was any indication, the best is yet to come. With a full offseason, a more stable coaching staff, and hopefully some reinforcements on offense, he’s primed to take a big step forward in 2026.
The tools are there. The production is already there.
Now it’s about turning flashes into consistency.
Ranking Dart 23rd isn’t just low - it misses the mark on what he accomplished and what he represents for the Giants moving forward. Expect that number to look a whole lot different this time next year.