Daniel Jones Weighs in on Jackson Dart’s New Role

Daniel Jones seems to understand the current situation Jackson Dart is facing. The former Giants quarterback, now thriving with the Colts at 8-2, expressed to Fox News that he believes Dart will manage fine in the wake of head coach Brian Daboll’s firing. Daboll was let go after three and a half seasons on Monday.

“I’ve heard really good things about him, and a lot of folks in New York seem to enjoy playing with him and working alongside him,” Jones mentioned. “I think he’s having a solid season and I’m excited to see how he progresses.” He then added, “I don’t know Jackson personally, though.”

“When it comes to advice, I think he gets it. He’s been playing well. As long as he keeps at it and plays like he has been, he’ll be just fine,” Jones said.

Dart was picked 25th overall by the Giants in April, drafted to take over after the team released Jones last fall following more than five inconsistent seasons.

Back in 2019, Jones was the sixth overall pick and had a tumultuous run with three different coaches, starting with Pat Shurmer for two seasons.

Joe Judge took over in 2020, lasting two years, followed by Daboll, whose arrival in 2022 marked what appeared to be Jones’ best season, including a playoff victory.

The Giants signed Jones to a four-year, $160 million extension, but he ended up playing less than two seasons before being released in November 2024 after a disappointing 2-8 start.

Following a short stint with the Vikings, he landed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Colts, throwing 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions in ten games.

Meanwhile, his former team, the Giants, seem to be facing another rough season, but there’s optimism for Dart’s future. The Ole Miss product stepped up as the starting quarterback after taking over from Russell Wilson in late September.

Dart, 22, led the Giants to a thrilling comeback against the Chargers in Week 4 and managed a notable win over the Eagles in Week 6.

Despite his promising numbers (10 touchdowns and three interceptions in nine games), the Giants struggled, surrendering double-digit leads in four road games, culminating in a 2-8 record.

Daboll lost his job after a fourth-quarter collapse against the Bears last Sunday, where Dart left early due to a concussion.

Mike Kafka, the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator, has stepped up as the interim head coach. Jameis Winston now takes the No. 2 quarterback spot and is expected to start against the Packers as Dart recovers from his injury.