The New York Giants locked in their Jaxson Dart contingency plan just before the season started. Jameis Winston had the pedigree of a former starter and the vibes to be an uplifting locker room presence. Given Dart's propensity to run face-first into defenders in the search for an extra half-yard, it was a prudent decision.
But that almost fully guaranteedtwo-year, $13 million extension produced meager returns Monday night. Dart was sandwiched in the pocket his opening drive, suffering a knee injury that took him off the field and forced the training staff to not only take away his helmet, but his entire uniform as well. Winston entered Week 2's game against the Los Angeles Rams and sputtered.
It was, in some ways, a classic Winston performance.
It was occasionally encouraging, often baffling and, if nothing else, exciting.
hell yeah we're getting the full Jameis experience tonight. two plays earlier he missed an open receiver because he attempted a jump pass for no reason
— Christian D'Andrea (@trainisland.bsky.social) 2026-09-22T01:20:18.771Z
But exciting doesn't win games, and it didn't Monday night. The Giants managed only two field goals and squandered the momentum of an opening weekend victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Winston is capable of playing better, but if Dart is set to miss four to six weeks it behooves head coach John Harbaugh to find a backup to his backup who could feasibly step in if the veteran continues to struggle.
Who fits that bill?
The in-house candidate
Jake Haener was a 2023 fourth round pick who started a single game as a New Orleans Saint, completing four of 10 passes before being replaced by Spencer Rattler in a 2024 loss to the Washington Commanders. He's currently on the practice squad, though Harbaugh opted to designate Braxton Berrios his emergency quarterback over calling him up to the active roster.
His on-field game is underwhelming. His preseason portrait game, however, remains unmatched.
Pure sex, that’s who
— BUM CHILLUPS AKA SPENCER HALL AKA PRESIDENT FOOTBALL (@edsbs.bsky.social) 2026-09-22T02:39:09.108Z
The practice squad steals
If New York doesn't want to promote Haener, it can sign a player from another team's practice squad, so long as he's joining the squad as part of the 53-man roster. The candidates aren't great, but include;
- Bailey Zappe (New York Jets)
- Josh Johnson (Cincinnati Bengals)
- Nick Mullens (Jacksonville Jaguars)
- Hendon Hooker (Tennessee Titans)
- Joe Milton (Dallas Cowboys)
Milton may be the most intriguing option, giving the Giants a big-armed prospect while taking away some of the Cowboys depth. However, backing up Winston with him is kinda like putting a hat on a hat.
The veterans waiting for a call
There isn't much meat left on the bones of the free agent market, but a few veteran options could be looking for a job. Russell Wilson is likely happy with his television analyst role, but knows at least parts of the Giants' roster after spending 2025 with the team (mostly whilst playing bad football). Jimmy Garoppolo isn't on a roster at the moment. Jake Browning hasn't signed anywhere after being a preseason release with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
It's not great, and the best option is almost certainly Winston. But he needs backup, and if Harbaugh doesn't think Haener is ready for worst-case scenario duties, general manager Joe Schoen could wind up making some calls as Week 3 approaches.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 9 Giants quarterback options who aren't Jameis Winston
