Jan. 10, 2026, 5:31 p.m. ET

Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart burst onto the scene for the New York Giants this season, capturing the imagination of fans and pundits alike.

But how good, actually, was Dart this year? Sure, he had some “ahhh” moments, but also frustrated the coaches and the fans with his unwavering bravado on the field.

Nick Shook of NFL.com ranked Dart 23rd overall in his year-end assessment of each NFL team’s primary starting quarterback this year. He was rated a “Tier 4” out of a system of six tiers.

2025 stats: 14 games | 63.7 pct | 2272 pass yds | 6.7 ypa | 15 pass TDs | 5 INTs | 487 rush yds | 9 rush TDs | 5 fumbles

Dart represented hope when he first stepped onto the field in September as the result of a quarterback change anyone could’ve seen coming from the moon. Dart invigorated New York’s offense and briefly appeared capable of saving Brian Daboll’s job, which ultimately did not prove true. His durability didn’t stand the test of the season, either, and remains one of his greatest concerns because Dart hasn’t embraced the idea of protecting himself when possible. If he can improve this, his point guard passing skills and mobility should give the Giants their answer at quarterback. Who they hire next will be crucial in Dart’s growth, too.

Dart’s flashiness and on-field heroics couldn’t mask some of his inequities. There will be a new coaching staff coming through the door this year that will look to focus Dart on the fundamentals and play less of a “seat-of-the-pants” style.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.

Former Giants quarterback Daniel Jones ranked eighth overall.