Giants QB Jaxson Dart
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Giants gaining steam as a dark horse in 2026 after a strong start to free agency.
It’s been a busy offseason for the New York Giants already, making a flurry of signings through the first week of free agency. As the new-look roster starts to take shape, one former player is high on their ability to compete in 2026.
During the March 16th installment of “The Arena: Gridiron,” T.J. Ward was asked to pick a dark horse team to pull off a Super Bowl run this season. Amid their recent additions and promising young core, he went with the Giants.
“I went with the Giants,” Ward said. “The Giants, it’s just something about when I look at the roster, I look at the coaching staff, you got Harbaugh coming in, you hired a new defensive coordinator…I think they just got a lot of pieces in place.”
The Arena: Gridiron
.@BossWard43 doubles down on the Giants as his dark horse team to reach the Super Bowl next season.
Heading into the 2026 season, the Giants have a strong case to be a dark horse team in the NFC. For starters, they’ve brought in a proven head coach in Jon Harbaugh. On top of this, quarterback Jaxson Dart will have his first full season under center. Pairing that with young standouts like Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo getting healthy, and this could line up for New York to drastically improve this year.
Former QB Expects Giants’ New Additions to Elevate Jaxson Dart
In light of a handful of notable signings, the Giants are a team that garnered a lot of buzz in the early stages of the offseason. Many are impressed by the collection of talent they’ve brought in, with some feeling like it will do wonders for the franchise’s cornerstone prospect.
While on “NFL Live” earlier this week, former QB Chase Daniel gave his thoughts on the new and improved Giants’ roster. He applauded the front office for its work thus far, citing that the revamped cast of weapons should elevate Dart’s play in year two.
“It’s going to be a completely revamped offense,” Daniel said. “I think this offense is going to be specifically designed around Jaxson Dart’s strengths.”
As far as new faces in the offense, the main addition so far is tight end Isaiah Likely. Other signees include wide receivers Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin, and Isaiah Hodgins.
Giants Could Bolster Their Offense More in the NFL Draft
After all the work they’ve put in during free agency, the Giants might not be done upgrading their offense before training camp begins in the coming months. Armed with the fifth pick in the draft, they could secure another young and intriguing piece to put around Dart.
Still weeks out from the draft, there is no telling what direction New York will go in. Mock drafts have connected them to an array of prospects, one of them being wide receiver Carnell Tate. The Ohio State standout is viewed as one of the top wideouts of this year’s draft, and would give Dart a pair of high-level talents for the future between him and Nabers.
Aside from Tate, another notable offensive prospect linked to the Giants is running back Jeremiyah Love. Many have made the case for him, and he recently added fuel to the fire by posting on social media that he visited with the team.
The Giants have a little over a month before they’re on the clock to make a decision at No. 5.