Giants Plan Quarterback Additions Following Season-Ending Knee Injury to Jaxson Dart

Jameis Winston recently signed a two-year, $13 million contract extension with the Giants, making him the team’s only currently rostered quarterback despite his uneven performance after Dart’s injury.
Dart had shown notable dual-threat production before the injury: in 2025 he appeared in 14 games and recorded 15 passing touchdowns plus nine rushing touchdowns; through two starts in 2026, he had completed 26 of 34 passes for 250 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.
Derek Carr would not be a straightforward free-agent signing because he remains on the New Orleans Saints’ reserve-retired list; acquiring him would require both a trade and mutual interest.
Anthony Richardson is presented as a possible trade target if the Indianapolis Colts become comfortable making Riley Leonard Daniel Jones’ primary backup, potentially making Richardson available after Indianapolis selected him fourth overall in 2023.
The case for Drew Brees is partly based on his recent willingness to consider returning: he reportedly reached out when Bo Nix was injured during the playoffs, while the proposed Giants role would emphasize his experience diagnosing pressure and distributing the ball rather than recreating his former elite production.
The New York Giants face a quarterback crisis after Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury, tearing his MCL and meniscus San Luis Obispo Miami Herald. Coach John Harbaugh says the team will add a veteran and hasn't ruled out trades. Jameis Winston is now the only quarterback on the roster after recently signing a two-year, $13 million extension.
Dart showed real promise before getting hurt. In 2025, he appeared in 14 games with 15 passing touchdowns and nine rushing touchdowns. Through his first two starts in 2026, he completed 26 of 34 passes for 250 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He was playing like a dual-threat quarterback.
Several options are being discussed. Kansas.com reports the Giants could pursue Russell Wilson, Jimmy Garoppolo, or Will Levis. Other targets include Derek Carr, Anthony Richardson, and Sam Howell. Derek Carr faces a wrinkle — he's on the New Orleans Saints' reserve-retired list, so any deal would require both a trade and his willingness to play.
Anthony Richardson could become available if Indianapolis decides to move forward with Riley Leonard. The Colts selected Richardson fourth overall in 2023. Shedeur Sanders is also mentioned as a possible target, though availability remains unclear for most of these options.
Some analysts are suggesting an unconventional move: bringing 47-year-old Drew Brees out of retirement. Brees reportedly reached out when Bo Nix got injured during the playoffs, showing he still has interest in playing. He wouldn't be asked to replicate his Hall of Fame production.
Instead, the pitch centers on his experience diagnosing pressure and managing the offense. His knowledge of reading defenses could stabilize the Giants' passing game. While most fans would dismiss this idea, Brees' willingness to consider returns shows he hasn't completely closed the door on football.
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