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Giants Name Jameis Winston Starter After Dart Injury

By Drooid · Sep 27, 2026, 10:05 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Giants Name Winston Starter

The New York Giants named veteran Jameis Winston the starter at quarterback after Jaxson Dart’s season-ending knee injury.
Coach John Harbaugh announced Dart will miss the regular season following meniscus and MCL surgery scheduled for September 25, 2026.
Winston signed a two-year, $13 million extension on September 7, 2026, keeping him through 2028.
Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said the playbook will shift to suit Winston’s pocket-passing style, reducing quarterback runs.

Summary

Giants Eye Veteran QB

Giants can add a veteran quarterback without cap impact because Jimmy Garoppolo (quarterback) is unsigned.
J.J. McCarthy (quarterback)’s 2027 contract guarantees $3.775 million, making him a low-cost trade target for the Giants.
The Giants have no practice-squad quarterback, leaving only Daniel Jones (quarterback) and Jake Haener (quarterback) on the active roster.
Placing Daniel Dart (defensive back) on injured reserve opened a 53-man roster spot that could be used for a veteran quarterback.

History

Historical Context

In 1990 the Giants turned to third-string Jeff Hostetler after Phil Simms broke his foot, and Hostetler guided New York to a 13-3 season and a 20-19 Super Bowl XXV victory. The franchise’s habit of inserting veteran quarterbacks resurfaced in 2026 when a meniscus tear to rookie Jaxson Dart led to the promotion of former starter Jameis Winston.

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Giants Name Winston Starter

The New York Giants named veteran Jameis Winston the starter at quarterback after Jaxson Dart’s season-ending knee injury.
Coach John Harbaugh announced Dart will miss the regular season following meniscus and MCL surgery scheduled for September 25, 2026.
Winston signed a two-year, $13 million extension on September 7, 2026, keeping him through 2028.
Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said the playbook will shift to suit Winston’s pocket-passing style, reducing quarterback runs.

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