Jaxson Dart is heading into his second season with the New York Giants and preparing to be the Week 1 starter for the first time. As a rookie, he appeared in 14 games, throwing for 2,272 yards, 15 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 91.7 quarterback rating.
The former Ole Miss Rebel also rushed for 487 yards and nine touchdowns. For his performance on the field, Dart finished fourth in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. Going into his second season, the Giants have given their quarterback some more help.
New York made several moves to improve the offensive line in the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting offensive tackles Francis Mauigoa (No. 10) and J.C. Davis (No. 192). It's an area in need of improvement after allowing 48 sacks last season.
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Mauigoa is expected to make an immediate impact, with him and Dart already forming a close relationship. The quarterback's birthday was on May 13 and on Thursday, Mauigoa took a video of himself presenting his gift in the team's locker room. It was a custom Miami Hurricanes jersey with "Dart" on the back.
"Bday present came in late but better than never 😭 @jaxsondart," he wrote via an Instagram story.
After reading the name on the back, Dart dropped the jersey and walked away while Mauigoa laughed in the background. The offensive tackle is poking fun after he and Miami defeated Dart's alma mater, Ole Miss, in last season's Fiesta Bowl.
While Mauigoa is now responsible for protecting his new quarterback, he isn’t letting Dart forget his role in helping Miami take down the signal caller’s former school in the College Football Playoff.
