The 49ers will have their first look at New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart on Sunday at MetLife Stadium — and San Francisco won’t be taking it lightly.
Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh had high praise for the 22-year-old when speaking to reporters at 49ers practice on Thursday in Santa Clara.
“He is uber talented,” Saleh said of Dart before referencing when Giants head coach Brian Daboll was fined $315,000 for checking on the quarterback when he was under concussion protocol in Week 8. “I understand why Daboll went to the blue tent. I probably would’ve went, too. I mean, (the) kid’s good, man.
“He’s a really, really, really good kid. I think New York hit on this one big time. But, he’s dynamic, he’s decisive, he’s accurate. He’s been a joy to watch just studying his tape over the last, what, five starts now?”
Dart, who New York selected with the No. 25 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has performed well over his five starts in place of the initial Giants starter, Russell Wilson. The rookie has completed 59.9 percent of his passes for 984 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions. He also has rushed 43 times for 195 yards and four touchdowns.
Sure, the Giants are just 2-3 with Dart at the helm. But Saleh implied New York has found its quarterback of the future.
“They’re doing a really good job with him,” Saleh said. “There are certain things they’re asking of him, but they’re doing a good job hiding it within their weekly game plans. I’ve always thought Daboll’s done a really good job, him and [Giants assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Mike] Kafka. They put a lot of strain on defenses.
“And this kid, he’s going to be special.”
Saleh isn’t alone in the Bay when it comes to being a fan of Dart.
49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak respectfully joined in on the hype train, too, sharing his thoughts about Dart while scouting him when he was a top prospect out of Ole Miss.
“Oh, I loved him,” Kubiak said. “He was a heck of a player and just a gamer. And you saw a guy who competed and who won a lot of games, and he’s just a playmaker at the position. And aside from the natural talent, you just loved how he competed and made plays. So, not surprised at all that he is doing well. He is a heck of a player.”
Dart was a certified collegiate star after throwing for 11,970 yards and 81 touchdowns and running for 1,543 yards and 14 more scores across four seasons.
Saleh and Kubiak are well aware of what the 49ers are getting into in the Big Apple.
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