The New York Giants have certainly had a year to forget this NFL season, as their 2-12 record is tied for the worst record in the league. One of the lone bright spots they have had has been the performance of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
In 11 games of action, Dart has thrown for 1,802 yards with 13 touchdowns to just four interceptions, while also rushing for 400 yards and seven touchdowns. However, the former Ole Miss star has taken plenty of heat for his reckless style, which has led to him missing two games with concussions, yet he refuses to change it.
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While there are three games left in the regular season, the Giants have more incentive to lose than to win, as they are currently slated to get the No. 1 pick in the draft. However, FS1’s Colin Cowherd recently revealed that he thinks their best use for that pick is to trade away Dart and draft his replacement.
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) runs with the ball during the second quarter against the New England Patriots on Dec. 1, 2025.Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
In a recent episode of the “Colin Cowherd Podcast,” Cowherd made it clear it’s a no-brainer kind of decision to trade Dart and draft Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.
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“The New York Giants right now would have the No. 1 pick,” Cowherd said. “You trade Jaxson Dart. You take the 6-foot-5.5. Fernando Mendoza, absolutely. I think Mendoza is about as good a prospect as you’re going to get.”
Cowherd was also told by someone within NFL circles that Mendoza is the “easiest” player to scout “ever,” due to the fact that Indiana’s offense is pro-style.
Mendoza tore up college football this season, leading Indiana to a 13-0 record and Big Ten Championship, while also winning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, the Maxwell Award and the Heisman Trophy among other honors.
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It’s unclear what Dart’s trade value would be, considering he was taken with the No. 25 overall pick last year in a weak class, but surely the Giants could squeeze a couple of late-round picks out of him.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.