Dec. 30, 2025, 9:30 a.m. ET
The New York Giants, who have won just 31 games since this decade began, are suddenly an attractive destination for free agents, both in-house and around the league.
That is due to the arrival of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, whom the Giants traded up into the first round of the 2025 NFL draft to select (No. 25). Impending free agents are seeing a brighter future in East Rutherford. That opinion will grow once free agency opens in March.
From ESPN’s Jordan Raanan:
Dart came in and established himself nicely. He is 15th with a QBR of 58.1. That puts him right behind Denver’s Bo Nix, tied with Chicago’s Caleb Williams and ahead of Detroit’s Jared Goff. Not bad for a rookie. And his nine rushing touchdowns are the second most ever for a rookie, behind only Cam Newton. Those inside the Giants’ building are sold on Dart. Interim coach Mike Kafka said he has “no doubts” about Dart being a franchise quarterback. Several players told ESPN that Dart is a selling point for them to return as they head to free agency this offseason.
Of course, a lot will depend on who lands the head coaching job. Mike Kafka is 1-5 so far in his seven-game audition, which ends this week at home with the season finale against Dallas. Kafka has shown some ability to rally this bunch and will get consideration, but the odds are in favor of an outside hire.
Dart is certainly a selling point for players and coaches seeking a change. The Giants don’t have a ton of cap space to play with this offseason (Spotrac lists them with a Top 51 number of approximately $23 million), but they can get creative if the right players become an option.