Giants Scramble for Quarterback Options After Jaxson Dart's Potential Season-Ending Injury
With Jaxson Dart sidelined, the Giants are exploring trade and free-agent markets for a quarterback to complement or back up Jameis Winston.
The New York Giants are reportedly facing the possibility of a season-ending injury to quarterback Jaxson Dart, prompting an urgent search for reinforcements. Should Dart be sidelined for the remainder of the season, the team will need to find a more viable option than Jameis Winston to either challenge for the starting role or serve as a capable backup to Jake Haener, who has thrown just 39 career passes.
Potential Trade Targets
Several players on other rosters could be available via trade. Carson Wentz, currently a third-stringer with the Minnesota Vikings, might become an option if the team decides to elevate J.J. McCarthy to the primary backup role. However, Wentz's willingness to join the Giants, especially playing close to home, remains uncertain. Another veteran, Joe Flacco, is with the Cincinnati Bengals as insurance for Joe Burrow. While Flacco has a history of successful short-term play, including a Super Bowl win with coach John Harbaugh, trading him would depend on the Bengals' own Super Bowl aspirations.
The Philadelphia Eagles might consider trading Tanner McKee, a quarterback who was demoted to third string after the addition of Andy Dalton. The Eagles are unlikely to bail out a rival team unless the Giants offer a substantial package. Cooper Rush, who played for the Ravens last season, could also be on the move from the Atlanta Falcons. After a difficult start, Rush was replaced after two games without reaching the red zone. Tua Tagovailoa, despite his injury history and reported preseason struggles, might be a low-cost option for the Giants, as the Miami Dolphins are still responsible for his significant salary. The Kansas City Chiefs could potentially make Justin Fields available, as Patrick Mahomes has been performing well. Fields struggled with the Jets last season, but has a prior connection with Giants offensive coordinator Matt Nagy.
Free Agent Possibilities
In the free-agent pool, Jake Browning, who had a breakout season with the Bengals in 2023 but was later cut by the Buccaneers, is available. Russell Wilson, who finished last season as the Giants' third-string quarterback and is now working as a CBS analyst, has not officially announced his retirement. Jimmy Garoppolo, a former franchise quarterback for the 49ers, has not started a game since January 2025 and was reportedly lukewarm about rejoining the Rams. He could be a potential target if he decides to continue his playing career.
Will Levis, recently cut by the Titans and currently on the Jets' practice squad, is another option who could be poached. Philip Rivers, the former Colts quarterback and current high school coach, briefly came out of retirement last season and might be enticed by the opportunity to play for the team that drafted him. Hendon Hooker, who has never started an NFL game, is on the Titans' practice squad. Nick Mullens, who last started a game in January 2024, is also on the Jaguars' practice squad for the second consecutive year.