Full Breakdown
Stephen A. Smith Urges Giants to Trade for Browns Backup Shedeur Sanders After Jaxson Dart Injury
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Season-Ending Loss of Starting Quarterback
The New York Giants’ starting quarterback, Jaxson Dart, suffered a severe knee injury—including damage to the MCL, PCL and meniscus—during the first drive of a Monday Night Football loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Team doctors later confirmed the injury will require season-ending surgery, leaving the Giants without their presumed offensive leader for the remainder of the regular season.
Background & Context
Before the injury, the Giants entered the season with Dart slated as the starter and veteran Jameis Winston listed as the primary backup. After Dart’s exit, Winston assumed the starting role but posted a modest performance against the Rams (11 completions on 27 attempts for 111 yards, no touchdowns and one interception, with two sacks taken). Giants head coach John Harbaugh subsequently announced that Winston will continue as starter and that the team will explore additional quarterback options, including the possible elevation of practice-squad quarterback Jake Haener.
The Cleveland Browns, meanwhile, have Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback. Backup Shedeur Sanders, a former Colorado standout, sits behind Watson on the depth chart, while rookie Dillon Gabriel remains on short-term injured reserve.
Data & Statistics
- Shedeur Sanders (2025 season, Browns): 3-4 record in seven starts, 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, ten interceptions, 56.6 % completion rate.
- Jameis Winston (2024-2025 combined): 2-7 record as a starter, 58.9 % completion rate, 2,799 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
- Winston’s Week 2 outing vs. Rams: 11-of-27 completions, 111 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT, 2 sacks.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Let me tell you something right now. If there was a possible way they could put it out, I'd tell the Giants to go out and pursue Shedeur Sanders. I ain't gonna lie to you. That was what was on my mind,” — Stephen A. Smith, analyst
- “I would tell the Giants to go and pursue Shedeur Sanders,” — Stephen A. Smith, analyst
- “He is absolutely, positively great, right up until the time he's in the lineup… [Jameis] is more entertaining in the pre game chatter than he is once he’s behind center,” — Stephen A. Smith, analyst
- “I think Gabriel could get you more in a trade than Sanders could. Go into a new situation, get up to speed in a different offense,” — ESPN Cleveland’s Aaron Goldhammer
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the likelihood that the Browns would entertain a trade for Sanders. No concrete terms or timelines have been disclosed by either franchise.
