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Giants QB Jaxson Dart on Saints not drafting him: ‘Always a chip on your shoulder’

The NFL Draft: a whirlwind of dreams realized, potential missed, and enough "what ifs" to fill a stadium. For rookies, it’s the start of a journey. For teams, it’s a gamble on the future. And for fans, it’s an endless source of speculation and excitement. This year, one of those "what if" scenarios is taking center stage as Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart prepares to face the New Orleans Saints.

Before the Giants head down to the Big Easy for Sunday’s game, Dart found himself reflecting on what could have been. Remember all the pre-draft buzz? Well, there was a real possibility that the Saints might have snatched him up in the first round. But, as we all know, things didn’t exactly pan out that way. The Giants, making a calculated move, traded back into the first round to secure Dart with the 25th pick.

So, how does Dart feel about almost becoming a Saint? Does he harbor any resentment? Does he feel like he has something to prove?

"There is always a chip on your shoulder any time something like that happens," Dart admitted, according to ESPN. "But yeah, I’m just going to go out there and play as hard as I can."

Now, that’s the kind of attitude you want to see from your quarterback. The Saints, holding the No. 9 overall pick, opted to bolster their offensive line by selecting Kelvin Banks Jr. While Banks is undoubtedly a talented player, the Saints’ need for a quarterback was no secret. Many had pegged them as a potential landing spot for Dart.

Let’s be real, though. The Saints weren’t the only team that passed on Dart. A whopping 24 teams decided to go in a different direction, including the Giants themselves initially, who drafted Abdul Carter with the No. 3 overall pick. However, credit where credit is due: the Giants’ front office recognized Dart’s potential and made the bold move to trade back into the first round to get their guy.

The Saints, after bypassing Dart in the first round, eventually addressed their quarterback situation by selecting Tyler Shough with the No. 40 overall pick. But here’s the kicker: Spencer Rattler, a fifth-round pick in the 2024 draft, is currently leading the Saints’ offense. And let’s just say, it hasn’t been a smooth ride. The Saints are currently sitting at 0-4, desperately searching for a spark.

Dart, reflecting on his pre-draft visit with the Saints, shared his thoughts on the near-miss. "Yeah, I felt like my visit with them went good," he said. "You kind of have thoughts in your head about what options are realistic, and I felt that was a place that could’ve panned out. But things didn’t work out that way."

Sometimes, things just don’t go according to plan. But that’s the beauty of the NFL – it’s full of surprises, unexpected twists, and opportunities to prove yourself.

Dart got his chance to prove himself in Week 4 when he took over for Russell Wilson and led the Giants to a stunning victory over the previously undefeated Los Angeles Chargers. It was a performance that turned heads and injected a much-needed dose of optimism into the Giants’ season.

Now, as he prepares for his first road game as an NFL starter, Dart is focused on the present and the future, not the past. "I love it here. There’s not a place that I’d rather be," he said, expressing his enthusiasm for being a Giant. "I love just how passionate people are outside the facility, in the facility. I like the attitude the East Coasters have. It’s a lot of fun. So I love it."

That’s the kind of commitment and enthusiasm that fans love to hear. Dart seems to have embraced the New York mentality, and he’s ready to lead the Giants forward.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s game, Dart has a chance to make some history. According to NFL Research, he can join Daniel Jones (2019) and Phil Simms (1979) as the only Super Bowl era Giants rookie quarterbacks to win each of their first two starts. That’s some pretty impressive company.

In 2019, the Giants started the season 0-2 before Jones stepped in and led them to victories in his first two starts in Weeks 3 and 4. In 1979, the Giants were in even worse shape, starting 0-5 before Simms took the reins and won his first four starts from Weeks 6-9. Can Dart follow in their footsteps and continue the Giants’ winning streak?

It’s worth noting that rookie starting quarterbacks have generally fared well against winless teams in Week 5 or later, boasting a 6-1 record in the last 10 seasons. The only recent exception was C.J. Stroud, who suffered a loss against Carolina in Week 8 of 2023.

So, what does all this mean for Sunday’s game? Well, it means that Jaxson Dart has a golden opportunity to silence any doubters, prove the Saints wrong for passing on him, and solidify his place as the Giants’ quarterback of the future.

The stage is set, the lights are bright, and the pressure is on. But if Dart’s performance against the Chargers is any indication, he’s more than ready for the challenge. He’s got that "chip on his shoulder," and he’s ready to play his heart out.

Whether or not the Saints regret their decision to pass on Dart remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure: Sunday’s game will be a fascinating showdown between a rookie quarterback with something to prove and a team desperate for a win. Get your popcorn ready, folks, because this is going to be good. It’s more than just a game; it’s a chapter in Jaxson Dart’s burgeoning NFL story, a story that’s only just beginning. And as he steps onto that field, you can bet that "what if" scenario from the draft will be fueling his every move. He’s not just playing for the Giants; he’s playing for himself, and he’s playing to show everyone what they missed out on. The NFL is a league of second chances, and Dart is determined to make the most of his.

Let the games begin!