It's rare you see a rookie quarterback be set up in as favorable a situation as Jaxson Dart is with the New York Giants. He might have lost both Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo for the year, but receiving mentorship from both Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston is a luxury not all young quarterbacks get.
The 22-year-old spoke on the dynamic between the trio on Wednesday, admitting that he sees their rapport as having "two big brothers in the room". And fortunately for Giants fans, the budding superstar didn't stop there. He hilariously poked some lighthearted fun at Wilson's age, saying the 37-year-old is starting to reach "unc status".
Given Dart took Wilson's job after Week 3 and all three have some merit to be starters in this league, it's impressive how close they've become so fast. And when Tommy DeVito was still alongside them in the quarterback room, it only helped the tight-knit group grow even closer, even if he didn't make the final roster.
The bond between the Giants' quarterback room is incredibly strong
Winston has that infectious personality that instantly saw him become a fan favorite, while Wilson is arguably the best backup QB in the NFL. Leaning from two Pro Bowl signal-callers has made the transition from Oxford, MS, to East Rutherford that much easier for Dart, which is why making a trade could be a mistake.
As much as the trade rumors may swirl about Big Blue parting with one of their veteran backups before the trade deadline, I wouldn't count on it. Maybe general manager Joe Schoen entertains offers on Winston, but it would be a shock if Russ didn't finish the season as a Giant.
For a signal-caller to transition from the SEC to the media scrutiny of New York, it is incredibly difficult. But the support system his two backups have provided for him, as well as the unconditional support from head coach Brian Daboll, has helped see Dart's best trait translate to the pros: his confidence.
Then again, Daboll and Mike Kafka have utilized his mobility and arm strength in order to tailor the system to his strengths. The foundation is in place for him to shine in New York, and even his 10-time Pro Bowl backup has been the ultimate teammate in the face of his success.
He's helped unlock both Wan'Dale Robinson and Theo Johnson, and even Tyrone Tracy could return to his 2024 self with Skattebo sidelined. He's done more with less this season, and it's reminding fans there's finally light at the end of the tunnel while Daniel Jones thrives in Indy.
Even after losing arguably his two top weapons, the 25th overall pick has weathered the storm to affirm the belief that he's the present and future of the Giants. The fans already love him — and if he keeps showing off his personality, he'll become a legend.