Jaxson Dart breaks silence on future amid Fernando Mendoza draft talk and historic Giants low

Dec 29, 2025 - 18:30

It’s been a miserable season for the New York Giants, but quarterback Jaxson Dart is still excited for the future.

With a 2-13 record heading into Week 17, the once-great franchise had the shame of contesting what was billed one of the worst match-ups in recent memory against the 2-13 Las Vegas Raiders.

Devin Singletary #26 of the New York Giants rushes for yards during the first quarter of the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 28, 2025 — The Giants beat the Raiders in a game between two historically bad teams

It was the first game in NFL history between two teams on nine-game losing streaks — and one more defeat for either would practically guarantee them the top pick in next year’s draft.

New York, apparently, wasn’t in the mood to tank on Sunday.

Rookie Dart led the charge, with two touchdowns on the ground as the Giants stormed to a 34-10 win in a game that also featured a massive sideline brawl.

Once again, he showed flashes that justified his first-round selection back in April, for which New York traded up, and his prospects of being a franchise quarterback for years to come.

Some though, aren’t convinced.

Ahead of the Giants’ trip to Allegiant Stadium, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport said to expect the franchise to ‘evaluate all options’ — including Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza — if they did end up with the No. 1 overall pick in 2026.

Jaxson Dart responds to claims Giants could draft new QB

Following their big win in Las Vegas, New York almost certainly won’t get the top pick, but that didn’t stop reporters questioning Dart on the idea of being replaced within a year.

When asked if he had seen claims of the Giants evaluating Mendoza, who is expected to be a top pick, the 22-year-old replied: “No, I did not.

“I’m going to continue to play my ball.

“I know I’m going to be here for a very long time, and I’m just excited to start winning more games and turn this place around and do my job, and we have a bright future.

Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 28, 2025 — Dart is confident of being with the Giants for years to come

2025 Heisman Trophy winner quarterback Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana Hoosiers poses with The Heisman Memorial Trophy during a news conference at the Marriott Marquis Hotel on December 13, 2025 — New York want to ‘evaluate’ all options in next year’s draft – including Mendoza

“That was one thing that I was just standing on the sideline, and I’m watching Abdul (Carter) ball, I’m watching DA (Darius Alexander) ball.

“Skat (Cam Skattebo) was here today, and when you just think about this rookie class, I think that we have a really bright future, and we’re going to be a big pivot and turn this thing around.”

Jaxson Dart bounces back in big Giants win

Talk around the Giants exploring a new quarterback has only grown amid a rough run through October, November and December.

Dart also posted the worst stat line of his young career in Week 16, when he threw for just 33 yards and an interception against the Minnesota Vikings.

But on Sunday, the rookie bounced back.

He went 22/30 for 207 yards through the air, adding those two scores and 48 yards on the ground.

Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants gestures while walking off the field after defeating the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 28, 2025 — Dart’s swagger returned in a big win against the Raiders in Week 17

Dart’s swagger also returned, and he was seen hyping up teammates on the sideline, while also celebrating big first down plays on the field.

The rookie too fewer unnecessary hits against the Raiders, which have been a point of contention, and was only sacked twice.

“I’m going to make mistakes here and there, and I’m going to bounce back from them,” Dart said postgame.

“I’m going to have some hits that I took early on that I saw were kind of unnecessary, and then you just make adjustments.

“At the same time, you’ve got to continue to just play your game. You can’t make somebody into somebody that they’re not.

“I just felt like I definitely played smart and just got away from any of the unnecessary stuff.”

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Dart, clearly, is committed to improving each week, and that will please any incoming head coach.

Now the Giants are back in the win column, any talk of drafting another quarterback will be quietened too.

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