The New York Giants will hand the offense to Jameis Winston after rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart underwent Friday surgery for meniscus and MCL damage that will keep him out for the rest of the regular season. Winston is set to start Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, but New York is also weighing whether it needs another experienced quarterback in the weeks ahead.
Winston, 32, is one of only two quarterbacks currently on the Giants’ roster, along with Jake Haener. Coach John Harbaugh said earlier this week that every possibility remained on the table at the position, and the club’s potential search reflects the uncertainty created by Dart’s injury.
Among the veteran options being considered are free agents Jimmy Garoppolo and Brandon Allen. The Giants could also explore the availability of backups Justin Fields, Mac Jones, J.J. McCarthy and Gardner Minshew. Fields, Jones and McCarthy are former first-round selections who have started NFL games but have seen their situations change over the past year through performance issues, injuries or roster decisions.
Garoppolo would bring the most extensive winning background of the group, though he has not had a meaningful role since his lone 2024 start for the Los Angeles Rams. He started in Week 18 against Seattle after the Rams had already secured their division and lost that game. Jones, meanwhile, performed effectively last season when called upon to fill in for Brock Purdy.
The immediate question is whether Winston can stabilize the Giants without the need for an outside addition. He entered in relief after Dart hurt his knee in the Week 2 loss to the Rams and completed 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards, with one interception, in a 28-6 defeat.
New York, 1-1, will get its first full look at Winston as the starter when it hosts the winless Titans at MetLife Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET Sunday, with Tennessee arriving at 0-2.
