Heading into this season, the New York Giants were fairly sure they had their quarterback of the future in Jaxson Dart.
Then, after his Week 1 performance in the win over the Dallas Cowboys, that sentiment grew even stronger. Dart was on the verge of stardom. Not only did the Giants feel they had a top player at the position, but they also felt they had a marketable player that the fan base could embrace.
But the NFL is unforgiving. Dreams die hard and fast in this league, and the Giants learned that lesson very quickly and very publicly on Monday night when Dart went down with a season-ending knee injury.
What was once seen as a season that could end up with a playoff run is now being treated as one of mere survival. The Giants will go with veteran
Jameis Winston at quarterback and hopefully backfill their quarterback room with some capable options.
Surely, Dart can recover fully and resume his ascent to stardom in 2027, but the Giants may not feel the same about his future with the team. Behind closed doors, the powers that be -- general manager Joe Schoen, head coach John Harbaugh, and the ownership group -- could seek to find an alternative if they deem Dart to be too risky due to his inability to stay healthy.
Last season, Dart missed games as well, with concussions sustained via hits taken while running with the football. This time, he got hurt throwing the ball from the pocket, something the new coaching staff wanted him to do more this year.
How the season unfolds and where the Giants land in the draft order, combined with Dart's rehab progress, will determine whether they select a quarterback in next year's draft.
If they win only a handful of games this season, they could finish back in the top 10, possibly higher. If they do, a quarterback will be a consideration.
Who that player would be is still unknown. But imagine if it's Arch Manning? Could, or would, the Giants take him if they get the opportunity?
If the Giants do ultimately find themselves in that situation, some difficult decisions will have to be made.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants may face tough Jaxson Dart decision during 2027 NFL draft
