Latest news with #JameisWinston
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Giants Still Lag Behind Rivals Where It Matters Most
Giants Still Lag Behind Rivals Where It Matters Most originally appeared on Athlon Sports. New York Giants fans have every right to be optimistic heading into 2025. Freed from the shackles of Daniel Jones, the Giants improved at the most important position by signing quarterback Russell Wilson. Edge rusher Abdul Carter adds a third blue-chip talent to the roster, and the team's floor feels much higher than yesteryear. Advertisement However, a tough schedule dampens that optimism, and for all of its improvements, New York is still well behind its division rivals. The Giants' schedule is more difficult than their rivals' because everybody else gets two games with an advantage under center. Wilson is an upgrade over Jones, Tommy DeVito, and Drew Lock. But the gap between Wilson and Dak Prescott, Jalen Hurts, and Jayden Daniels. For New York's 2025 hopes, that's all that matters. Subsequently, first-round rookie passer Jaxson Dart is the key to the Giants catching their NFC East rivals. Signed to a $10.5 million deal, Wilson isn't meant to be the franchise quarterback. He's the bridge to Dart and a totally viable option for the assignment. That's not lost on anybody, but his presence is crucial. Advertisement Dart is set for a redshirt season, or at least as much as New York can afford. Wilson alleviates that pressure and should win enough games to prevent a complete catastrophe. Jameis Winston, signed to a two-year deal, ensures that even if Wilson goes down, Dart won't have to start until he's ready. Armed with a pair of veteran leaders, a quarterback guru at head coach, and one of the game's best young receivers, Dart is set up for success. It's a matter of when, not if, he replaces Wilson – that's where the fun begins. The Giants won't be favored to rise out of last place with Wilson under center. Currently, Dart isn't helping that mark either. But the path to catching the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders starts with having a quarterback capable of matching the stars competing atop the division. Nobody knows whether Dart can take that leap and end East Rutherford's struggles. But he's the chance the New York faithful have had in some time, and that's worth getting excited about, regardless of how fans felt ahead of his selection. Advertisement Related: Giants Schedule Reveals Potential Dart Debuts Related: Giants Schedule Release: Game-By-Game Predictions This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Reuters
5 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Giants sign first-round QB Jaxson Dart
May 30 - New York Giants first-round draft pick Jaxson Dart signed his four-year, $17 million rookie contract on Friday. Multiple media outlets reported that Dart's signing bonus was just shy of $9 million. The Giants selected the Ole Miss quarterback with the 25th overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft after swinging a trade with the Houston Texans. The Texans received the No. 34 overall pick in the second round and No. 99 overall in the third, plus a third-round selection in 2026. The Giants also selected Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter with the third overall pick in last month's draft. Dart, 22, finds himself in a crowded quarterback room. In March, New York signed 36-year-old veteran Russell Wilson to a one-year, $10.5 million deal and gave 31-year-old Jameis Winston a two-year, $8 million contract. Dart started his college career at Southern California in 2021 but transferred to Ole Miss when Caleb Williams was set to take over as the Trojans' QB. Williams was chosen No. 1 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. As a three-year starter for the Rebels, Dart completed 65.7 percent of his passes for 10,617 yards and 72 touchdowns with 22 interceptions. Last season, he guided Ole Miss to a 10-3 record, including a win over Duke in the Gator Bowl, while connecting on 69.3 percent of his throws for 4,279 yards. He threw for 29 TDs and was picked off six times. --Field Level Media
New York Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
Giants OTAs kick off: How did Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, Jaxson Dart fare?
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Since before the 2024 season even ended, the focus in New York has been on what the new Giants quarterback room would look like and how snaps would be divided. With the room reassembled this offseason, we finally got a glimpse during Wednesday's first organized team activity (OTAs) open to the media. And just as coach Brian Daboll said, all four quarterbacks — Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, Tommy DeVito and Jaxson Dart — got reps as the Giants completed 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills around the red zone. Advertisement 'We have a detailed plan of how we're going to handle the quarterbacks,' Daboll said Wednesday. Wilson emerged as the early starting favorite in Wednesday's first look, earning the most first-team reps — no surprise given Daboll said as much earlier this spring. Giants QBs in action: Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, Tommy DeVito and Jaxson Dart — Charlotte Carroll (@charlottecrrll) May 28, 2025 Wilson has earned praise from teammates and Daboll alike for his 14-year career that includes a Super Bowl XLVIII victory. The Giants signed the veteran to a one-year deal worth $10.5 million guaranteed this offseason after Wilson's one-year stint with the Steelers. 'There's a reason why he has had the career that he's had,' Daboll said. 'When you look at his work ethic, his commitment to being the best version of himself that he can be, how he's out here at practice, his leadership traits within the players, his communication, not just with the receivers, tight ends, running backs, but with the offensive line. He's been a good addition for us.' While Wilson got the majority of the first-team reps Wednesday, Winston and Dart each had some sprinkled in. Winston signed a two-year, $8 million deal this offseason. But attention has turned to Dart, the No. 25 pick in this year's draft, for whom the Giants traded up. Dart impressed early at rookie minicamp. While the goal will be for Dart to develop behind Wilson and Winston, that won't stop fans from pressing to see the potential new face of the franchise on the field. Dart took a few first-team reps on Wednesday, including a touchdown throw to receiver Jalin Hyatt on his first red zone rep with the starters. DeVito, the hometown hero who suited up most notably in 2023, took only a handful of reps throughout the day. 'There's a lot of personalities in that room,' right guard Greg Van Roten said. 'They're all different. Not that one's better than the other. Russ is definitely very detailed. Jameis is a great locker room guy, Tommy is Tommy, and then we're learning about Jaxson, seeing what he's all about. They all bring something kind of unique and special to the room.' Advertisement Daboll said everybody was at the facility on Wednesday, even if not everyone on the roster participated in practice, given some players are rehabbing or dealing with illnesses. The coach added that the Giants have had 'great attendance' throughout the offseason program. There were some notable non-participants, including last year's rookie receiving sensation Malik Nabers. 'We're being mindful of his toe that he's had,' Daboll said of Nabers' nagging toe injury that has plagued the receiver since his LSU days. 'Nothing serious, but we're being smart with him in terms of the rehab part of it. So that's where we're at.' Nabers was spotted on the field, but left tackle Andrew Thomas and running back Tyrone Tracy were not. Veteran Devin Singletary assumed the RB1 role Wednesday and 2023 fifth-rounder Eric Gray was heavily involved in Tracy's place. Thomas suffered a season-ending Lisfranc injury and told The Athletic earlier this offseason that his biggest focus is taking his time as he comes back. One of the important pieces of the Giants' offensive line puzzle has been Evan Neal's future. A 2022 first-rounder, Neal's career has gotten off to a disappointing start because of injuries and poor play. Drafted to take over at right tackle, he's appeared in just 29 games in three seasons. Jermaine Eluemunor took over the starting job last year and the Giants decided to move Neal inside, hoping to maximize his talents. 'He's a big man,' Daboll said. 'He's got length, he's obviously a little bit taller than I'd say traditional guards, but he's played it. He's played a number of positions since he's been at the University of Alabama. He's been working hard this last month and a half and (we) look forward to getting him out there.' Neal spent Wednesday working at left guard, but not with the starters. Again, given the injuries, that line was a little different. Here's what it looked like during an install period: left tackle James Hudson III, left guard Jon Runyon Jr., center John Michael Schmitz, right guard Van Roten and right tackle Eluemunor. There was plenty of rotation beyond that starting quintet. Advertisement Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka was in control of the walkie-talkie, calling plays to Dart at rookie minicamp a few weeks back. That appeared to continue as OTAs kicked off publicly. Kafka once again manned the walkie-talkie in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 situations. The playcaller moniker is worth monitoring as Kafka initially called plays when the current regime arrived in 2022. But Daboll took over the role after a dismal 2023. Despite the change on the headset, the Giants still finished with the 31st-worst scoring offense. But don't expect an immediate answer — Daboll said there wouldn't be a resolution until the team heads into the preseason. So we'll keep watching the radios as OTAs continue and camp kicks off. (Photo of Russell Wilson: Anne-Marie Caruso / Imagn Images)
New York Post
7 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Giants QB impressions at OTAs as Jaxson Dart flashes potential
What we knew heading into the spring was on display Wednesday as the Giants went through their second organized team activity practice. Russell Wilson took the vast majority of the snaps at quarterback with the starting offense. Jameis Winston as the backup got the snaps with the second team and rookie Jaxson Dart got the snaps with the third team — other than a few snaps with the starters. Tommy DeVito received limited snaps in the team drills, which were all red-zone reps from the 10-yard line. Wilson, the 36-year-old in his 14th NFL season — and first with the Giants — looked in command as he continued to learn a new offense. His most notable throw was a fade to Darius Slayton (now wearing jersey No. 18) for a touchdown, as Slayton got the step he needed on cornerback Dru Phillips. The Giants and head coach Brian Daboll are excited about Dart's potential, which is why there was a trade up into the first round of the NFL draft to take the three-year starter at Ole Miss. 3 Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (r.) talks to head coach Brian Daboll (l.) during OTAs on May 28, 2025. Bill Kostroun/New York Post The highlight for Dart was a perfectly-placed lob off a rollout to Jalin Hyatt in the back of the end zone. Dart also flipped a scoring pass to running back Dante Miller and he showed his wheels on a few well-timed scrambles, including one that resulted in a touchdown when he raced around the right side. Winston, 31, found Slayton for a touchdown. Before that, he did a very Jameis Winston thing. 3 Giants rookie Jaxson Dart (6) throws a pass during OTAs on May 28, 2025. Bill Kostroun/New York Post Known for occasionally throwing the ball to the wrong team, Winston did just that on his first throw in the 7 on 7 period, a ball that was picked off by safety Dane Belton. In one early drill, where two quarterbacks throw in unison to different receivers, Wilson and Winston were on the far field and Dart and DeVito were on the near field. This particular drill might have been unfamiliar to Dart, and DeVito could be seen talking and motioning to the rookie, instructing him where to look and where to stand. 3 Jameis Winston (19) takes a snap during Giants OTAs on May 28, 2025. Bill Kostroun/New York Post Working without a defense on the field in another drill, Dart misfired on a shovel pass intended for tight end Jermaine Terry. Rather than move on to the next rep, Dart got a second chance on the shovel pass and this time he made it work. Dart did have a misfire that was intercepted by linebacker Micah McFadden. After many of his throws, Daboll went over to have a word with Dart. Go behind the scenes with Big Blue Sign up for Inside the Giants by Paul Schwartz, a weekly Sports+ exclusive. Thank you Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Check out more newsletters Daboll beforehand made it clear that he was not going to reveal the plans for the quarterback pecking order. 'They'll all get reps at various spots, so we've got a plan for that and we've been working that since they've been here,' he said, 'but they'll all get reps.' None of the quarterbacks got the chance to throw to Malik Nabers, who was kept out of all drills as he deals with a lingering toe issue that Daboll said goes all the way back to Nabers' time in college at LSU.
New York Times
22-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
What we're watching at Giants OTAs: Can Jaxson Dart force a QB competition?
After an offseason of change, we're about to get our first real look at the revamped New York Giants roster next week. From seeing how the 2025 NFL Draft picks fit in to watching the new quarterback room in action, there will be plenty of intrigue as OTAs kick off. But before we take our first look at the new team at Wednesday's practice, let's first review some key position battles that will unfold over the next few months. We'll focus on the offensive side of the ball today and dial in on the defensive battles early next week. After swinging and missing on some bigger names, the Giants signed veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston before making their big play for the future by trading back into the first round to select Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart. The three join 2023 undrafted free agent Tommy DeVito to create one of the most fascinating quarterback rooms in the league. Advertisement To be clear, right now there isn't an open QB competition. Coach Brian Daboll has repeatedly said this offseason that Wilson will take the first-team reps to start the spring and is expected to serve as the Week 1 starter. So, why is this considered a battle? Well, it's all about perception. Wilson is only signed to a one-year deal, meaning the team sees him as a bridge QB. Meanwhile, Winston is playing on a two-year contract, which positions him to serve as an insurance policy to Wilson this season and the future backup for Dart, whenever he takes the reins. With the two veterans on the roster, the Giants hope Dart will have the time he needs to develop and adjust to the NFL. Where things could get dicey is if the team struggles early. Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen are under a lot of pressure after going a combined 9-25 the past two seasons. Combine that with the fact that fans are always hungry for a glimpse of the future; they will get antsy to see Dart in action should things go poorly with Wilson and/or Winston to start the season. The Giants hope it doesn't come to that, but the team's performance in the early part of the season could force their hands. In the meantime, we'll be keeping tabs on how Dart acclimates to the NFL and adjusts to something he's never done before: serve as a backup. 'I'm a competitor, so I'm going to come to work every day and do my best to make everybody around me better,' Dart said at rookie minicamp earlier this month. 'I understand what the situation is, but for me, I care about winning. There's nothing fun about losing, so it doesn't matter where you're at on the depth chart; if you're playing this much or not playing this much, if you're losing, it sucks. So, I just want to make the team better. That's my focus.' Advantage: Wilson Advertisement Though the quarterback position underwent a complete transformation, the rest of the offense saw only minor tweaks, with all of last year's starters returning. That includes the entire starting offensive line: LT Andrew Thomas, LG Jon Runyan, C John Michael Schmitz, RG Greg Van Roten and RT Jermaine Eluemunor. Everyone is back, but that doesn't necessarily mean the line will look the same come Week 1. The 35-year-old Van Roten is back after starting all 17 games last season, but his spot in the lineup is not yet secure. He'll likely have to battle to keep his job, and his top competition could come from former starting RT Evan Neal. Every Giants fan knows the first three years of the Neal experience haven't gone well. The 2022 first-rounder has struggled mightily with injuries and poor play since he was drafted, appearing in only 29 games in his first three NFL seasons. The Giants declined to exercise his fifth-year option, and he may be on the roster bubble near the end of training camp. However, he might have a shot to jump-start his career with a position change. Though the Giants haven't publicly confirmed it, the expectation is that Neal will make the transition inside to guard. Daboll and Schoen have said this offseason that Neal is open to doing anything that helps the team. Guard seems to be where there could be an opening after the Giants signed swing tackle James Hudson and tackle Stone Forsythe in free agency before selecting Marcus Mbow in the fifth round of the draft. Mbow could ultimately move inside, too, but the Giants are having him start his NFL career working at tackle. Neal hasn't played guard since starting 13 games at left guard as a freshman at Alabama in 2019, so we'll see if he's up to the task of moving back inside six years later. For now, it's fair to expect Van Roten to have the edge on any competition heading into OTAs. Advantage: Van Roten Advertisement Last year's fifth-round pick, Tyrone Tracy Jr., took the RB1 job away from veteran Devin Singletary while Singletary was out two games with an injury. Now the question is: Can someone, namely rookie Cam Skattebo, usurp Tracy? It's possible. Eventually. For now, however, it's probably more realistic to see whether Skattebo — New York's fourth-round pick out of Arizona State — can jump Singletary during camp and enter the season as the RB2. Skattebo offers a physical complement to Tracy's speed and is already becoming a fan favorite in New York thanks to that physicality and underdog mentality. 'He's a really fast running back, and there's nothing about his game that you can take away from,' Skattebo said. 'He might be a little faster than me, so if you want to call it thunder and lightning, go ahead. … Whatever our roles are, if he plays the whole time and I play not at all, I'm just going to be here and I'm going to work, put my head down and keep going.' It's early, so we'll see how Skattebo looks compared to Singletary. But for now, I give the slight edge to the veteran. Advantage: Singletary … for now The top three receivers are set: Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton will primarily play on the outside, with Wan'Dale Robinson in the slot. But beyond those three, the jobs look to be up for grabs. Technically, the next man up is 2023 third-round pick Jalin Hyatt, but he's coming off a lackluster season in which he tallied just eight catches for 62 yards. Here's the full list of guarantees for the Giants' undrafted free agents, per source: • WR Beaux Collins: $270K• WR Da'Quan Felton: $264K• WR Juice Wells: $259K• OL Jaison Williams: $165K• CB O'Donnell Fortune: $165K• S Makari Paige: $165K• TE Jermaine Terry: $65K… — Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) May 21, 2025 The Giants' approach in undrafted free agency — five of their 13 UDFAs, including the three highest-paid, were receivers — made it clear they're still searching to beef up that position. The Giants recently hosted former Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Gabe Davis for a visit last week, Schoen confirmed on the 'Up and Adams' show last week. Daboll and Schoen were in Buffalo for the first two years of Davis' career. But the GM mentioned Davis' injury history on the show. Davis tore his meniscus in Week 11, and Jacksonville recently cut him with a failed physical designation, so it seems Davis is likely still not fully recovered. Advertisement 'We'll see if anything transpires here down the road,' Schoen said on the show. Until and unless that happens, Hyatt should still enter OTAs as the presumed favorite to land the WR4 job. It's also reasonable to expect him to take a step forward this season, as his straight-line speed should align him well with Wilson's strength throwing the deep ball. Maybe this is the year Hyatt's career with the Giants will finally get going. Advantage: Hyatt (Photo of Jaxson Dart: Adam Hunger / Getty Images)
