Matt Citak: The biggest change in Phase 3 of the Offseason Workout Program, other than the rookies being integrated with the veterans, is the beginning of offense vs. defense drills. That is when 7-on-7, 9-on-7 and 11-on-11 periods are permitted for the first time, although contact is still not allowed. This will be the first time we get to see Jaxson Dart face off against the team's defense in live drills this year, and the first time he gets to throw to the team's new pass-catchers.
The Giants have already said that wide receiver Malik Nabers will not be back on the field for OTAs as he continues his rehab from last year's ACL injury. While of course you would like your top target to get as many practice reps as possible with the starting quarterback, what this does is allow Dart to begin developing chemistry with the team's group of new pass-catchers. OTAs will be the first time Dart throws to veteran wide receivers Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin, not to mention rookie wideout Malachi Fields, in a live setting. And let's not forget about tight end Isaiah Likely, either, as the veteran was brought in on the first day of free agency in order to give Dart another big and athletic target. Between Likely and Fields, both of whom could play big roles this season, the Giants added some size to their group of playmakers.
When healthy, Nabers is undoubtedly the most talented pass-catcher on the roster. But with the third-year receiver still working his way back, Dart will have an opportunity to start building rapport with the other pass-catchers, which will hopefully allow the offense to hit the ground running once Week 1 comes around. As we all know, Year 2 is a pivotal one in a quarterback's growth and development. OTAs will serve the official on-field start of Dart's second NFL season, and if he is able to make a jump, the Giants will be set up for success both in 2026 and beyond.