It took New York Giants fans one day to get weird about their quarterbacks.
The New York faithful are expected to, and by all means should, live and die with the performance of first-round pick Jaxson Dart. He’s the future of the franchise, and the chance that he becomes a star is a rollercoaster East Rutherford has waited years to ride. But that excitement doesn’t have to be taken out on other passers, especially when the throws don’t count.
The Giants signed Russell Wilson to a one-year, $10.5 million deal to start until Dart is ready, and added Jameis Winston for two years to be the second-string quarterback. He’ll step in for Wilson if necessary and sit behind Dart in 2026, mentoring the young quarterback in the process.
His performance during New York’s organized team activities (OTAs) is virtually meaningless. And yet, Giants fans are panicking over Winston’s interception from Wednesday.
Maybe Winston is the same gunslinger he’s always been (that’s fine). Perhaps his role and another year of experience help tone that aggression down. In either event, New York isn’t learning about that from a late-May practice. Social media had its fun, and a few articles were written in the immediate aftermath.
However, Winston’s pick may not have been his fault.
“Yes, Jameis Winston threw a Pick 6 today. Of course, the beneficiary was Dane Belton,” Art Stapleton posted.
“But from my vantage point, Winston made a quick throw at goal line and Zach Pascal bobbled it, popping the ball slightly away from his body and Belton snatched the INT, off to the races.”
For those keeping track at home, Dart also threw an interception on Wednesday. His turnover came with the starters and was overshadowed by two touchdowns. Much like Winston’s turnover, there’s little reason to be concerned.
The Giants signed Winston to ensure they can start Dart when he is ready, instead of when Wilson (by injury or inconsistency) is not. His contributions will ideally be invisible on Sundays, with his work in the film room making Dart more prepared for what the NFL will throw at him. New York doesn't need Winston to start, nor does it need him to have a particularly strong offseason circuit.
Soon enough, Sundays will become meaningful and Giants fans can hold their breath on every dropback. In the meantime, it’s worth doing something – anything – other than keeping too close of an eye on spring practice.