The New York Giants ended up coming through with a Week 17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, but likely cost themselves the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft in the process.
While every team wants to win each and every week, fans get frustrated when a team blows a chance at having the top pick in the draft. For the Giants, it was likely a chance to receive a major draft haul from another team who wanted to move up to the top choice for Indiana standout quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.
More than likely, the Raiders will happily take Mendoza with the No. 1 pick. Barring a shocking win by Las Vegas against the Kansas City Chiefs next week, that will be the opportunity the Raiders have.
Read more: Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers Takes Shot at NFL Referees After Browns Loss
In recent weeks, there has been speculation about what New York could do if it landed the No. 1 pick. Would the Giants consider taking Mendoza and moving on from Jaxson Dart?
Following the loss to Las Vegas, New York has been hit with a tough reality check about Dart’s future.
CBS Sports analyst Danny Kanell made it very clear that he isn’t sold on Dart being the long-term answer for the Giants under center.
“I don’t know if Jaxson Dart is the long-term answer for the Giants,” Kanell said.
Dart was taken with the No. 25 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He has played well during his rookie season, making some fans frustrated with the idea that New York could move on from him already.
Throughout his rookie season with the Giants, Dart has played in 13 games. He has completed 63.2 percent of his pass attempts for 2,042 yards, 13 touchdowns, and five interceptions, while also running for 455 yards and nine more touchdowns.
Read more: Packers Insider Provides Troubling Future Outlook for Matt LaFleur
On paper, those numbers are fantastic for a rookie quarterback. Dart has played well for a rookie and has shown why New York was so high on him in the 2025 draft. With more development from an NFL coaching staff, he has a very strong chance to be a long-term quarterback option for the Giants.
It’s possible that Dart may not be the right franchise quarterback in New York. However, the idea of moving on from him after just one season seems like it could be a colossal mistake.
For more on the New York Giants and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.