Could Giants ditch Jaxson Dart for Fernando Mendoza? NFL insider leaves the door open

The NFL draft is always an exciting time for football fans, as teams look to secure the next generation of talent to help lead them to victory on the field. With so much talent available in each draft class, teams often have to make difficult decisions about who to select with their picks. This year, one of the most intriguing storylines revolves around the New York Giants and their potential interest in quarterbacks Jaxson Dart and Fernando Mendoza.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport recently provided fans with a draft nugget that has sparked speculation and debate among football enthusiasts. According to Rapoport, the Giants are considering selecting either Dart or Mendoza with their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft. This news has caught many by surprise, as the Giants already have a young and promising quarterback in their roster in the form of Daniel Jones.

Jaxson Dart is a highly touted prospect coming out of USC, where he has shown incredible poise and skill on the field. With a strong arm and the ability to make plays both inside and outside the pocket, Dart has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s top quarterbacks. His impressive performances in college have made him a popular choice among NFL teams looking for a franchise signal-caller.

On the other hand, Fernando Mendoza is a slightly lesser-known prospect, hailing from a smaller school in the Midwest. Despite not receiving as much attention as Dart, Mendoza has turned heads with his accuracy, decision-making, and leadership on the field. Many scouts believe that Mendoza has the potential to develop into a successful NFL quarterback with the right coaching and support.

For the Giants, the decision to potentially select either Dart or Mendoza presents a unique opportunity to either solidify their quarterback position for years to come or add depth and competition to the roster. With Daniel Jones entering a crucial year in his development, the addition of another young quarterback could either push him to new heights or potentially signal the end of his time in New York.

The debate among Giants fans and analysts has been heated, with some arguing that the team should stick with Jones and focus on building around him, while others believe that bringing in a new quarterback could be the key to unlocking the team’s full potential. Head coach Joe Judge and general manager Dave Gettleman will have a tough decision to make come draft day, as they weigh the potential risks and rewards of selecting a quarterback in the first round.

One of the main factors that the Giants will have to consider is the long-term future of the quarterback position. While Jones has shown flashes of brilliance during his time in New York, he has also struggled with consistency and turnovers. Adding a player like Dart or Mendoza could provide the team with a valuable insurance policy in case Jones fails to live up to expectations or suffers an injury.

Additionally, the Giants will have to evaluate the potential impact that drafting a quarterback could have on their salary cap and overall team-building strategy. Selecting a quarterback in the first round would likely mean committing a significant amount of money to the position, which could limit their ability to address other needs on the roster. On the other hand, finding a franchise quarterback is often the key to sustained success in the NFL, making the investment worth it in the long run.

Another important consideration for the Giants is the talent level of the other players available in the draft. While Dart and Mendoza are both intriguing prospects, there are also a number of other players at different positions who could help the team immediately. Whether the Giants choose to prioritize the quarterback position or look to fill other needs will depend on their evaluation of the overall talent in the draft class.

Ultimately, the decision to potentially select Jaxson Dart or Fernando Mendoza will have far-reaching implications for the New York Giants and their fans. If the team chooses to draft a quarterback, it could signal a new era for the franchise and potentially lead to a shakeup in the roster. However, if the Giants decide to stick with Daniel Jones, it could provide him with the opportunity to prove his doubters wrong and establish himself as the team’s long-term starter.

As the 2026 NFL draft approaches, all eyes will be on the New York Giants and their potential quarterback dilemma. The decisions made by Joe Judge, Dave Gettleman, and the rest of the front office will shape the future of the team for years to come. Whether they choose to roll the dice on a new quarterback or stick with their current signal-caller, one thing is certain: the 2026 NFL draft promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable event for Giants fans and football enthusiasts alike.

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Source: Sporting News