Giants’ Quarterback Controversy
The Giants have let go of Jackson Dart and Jamis Winston from their roster.
Recently, the team made some changes to the order of backup quarterbacks, which reportedly elevated the rookie Dart above Winston on an unofficial depth chart. As a result, team officials have not made either quarterback available for media interviews this week, which some say may violate NFL media access guidelines.
Under the policy, players are generally required to speak with the media each week during open locker room sessions.
Coach Brian Daball mentioned, “All three quarterbacks will be ready to play,” when questioned about the unofficial depth chart.
On Wednesday, team officials cut off Dartmouth’s interview due to concerns about how the rookie might respond, emphasizing that the first-round pick’s options were not up for discussion.
The Giants maintain that no new policies are in place, insisting their approach aligns with prior practices.
They declined to allow the backup quarterbacks to comment on the unofficial depth chart or their preparation for their first real NFL game, although they mentioned they would consider specific storyline suggestions from the media.
This seems to differ from the Giants’ typical transparency with media access, which usually follows NFL guidelines endorsed by the Association of Professional Football Writers—ensuring all players can engage, even during controversial times.
In the past, quarterbacks like Drew Lock, Tommy Devito, and Tyrod Taylor have been readily available without needing formal approvals, while serving as backups to Daniel Jones over the last three seasons.
The current policy raises some eyebrows and prompts questions about whether this unofficial depth chart is a strategic move. Is there concern about Winston’s reaction to being placed third, or perhaps the Giants want to restrict Dart from divulging any game strategies?
One source within the organization suggested that Winston aims to manage his media presence carefully to aid his future career, preferring to remain low-key in New York.
Interestingly, the Giants didn’t impose such restrictions on Eli Manning or Jones during their early seasons as backups to high-profile rookies back in 2004 and 2019, respectively.
