Jaxson Dart has not won the New York Giants’ backup quarterback role yet, as NorthJersey.com insider Art Stapleton revealed that Big Blue still plans to keep veteran QB Jameis Winston on the 53-man roster ahead of the August 26 cutdown.
The Giants are keeping Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston on their 53-man roster,” Stapleton relayed on August 25. He jokingly added that “I think the Dart kid, the rookie, also made the team.”
Shortly after, Heavy on Giants followed up with Stapleton to see if this was an official report or just an educated opinion. To which the veteran NYG beat reporter replied: “Both. Barring something completely unexpected.”
Winston has been a trade candidate for most of the summer, especially throughout the preseason, as Dart has continued to impress. However, at least publicly, the Giants have reiterated time and time again that they do not wish to move the veteran backup before Week 1.
Stapleton is seemingly confirming that stance here with just over 24 hours to go before the Giants‘ official 53-man roster cutdown deadline.
What’s the Latest on Giants Fan Favorite & Fourth-String QB Tommy DeVito Ahead of the Roster Cutdown?
GettyNew York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito during the 2025 preseason finale.
Assuming Stapleton is correct that Wilson, Winston and Dart will make the Week 1 roster, the odd man out would then be fan favorite Tommy DeVito. This was always the likely outcome when the Giants went out and brought in three new big-name QBs this offseason, although DeVito did look fantastic in the preseason finale.
Is it possible that Giants general manager Joe Schoen might be able to get something back for DeVito via trade?
“Have no doubt there will be interest around [the] NFL on Tommy DeVito,” Stapleton posted on August 25. “My guess is potential suitors have already made that known in back channels.”
Having said that, don’t expect a large return for the former undrafted rookie sensation.
“If someone offers a 5th round pick for DeVito, Joe Schoen would personally drive him to the airport,” Stapleton told a fan on Monday morning, in response to them asking about a fifth-round pick as a return. “I’m not sure how we got here. Will there be interest on the waiver wire? Absolutely. It’s going to come down to whether the Giants offer a [practice squad] spot vs. PS spot elsewhere [in my opinion].”
If it ends up being a decision of one practice squad versus another, the insider reminded: “But just as it was with NE vs [the] Giants two summers ago, DeVito will have to choose his best path. Not sure NYG are even part of that.”
Schoen would likely trade DeVito if the right offer arose, but if it does not, all signs point to the Giants offering the staff favorite a practice squad role once again.
Tommy’s done everything we’ve asked him to do since he’s been here,” Giants head coach Brian Daboll told reporters on August 25, regarding DeVito. His departure would not come as easily as it seems.
Giants Can Still Trade Jameis Winston at a Later Date
The Giants have purposefully taken things slow with Dart in terms of his development. And despite his preseason emergence, fans must remember that the rookie was not playing against many first-team defenders or regular season game plans.
On that note, if the Giants do keep Winston, expect him to serve as Wilson’s backup QB over the first half of the season. At least until they are confident Dart can take over if needed.
Keep in mind that the Giants could always trade Winston at a later date, and depending on quarterback injuries around the league, they might even net more draft capital back in a trade if they hold the gunslinger into October.
At that stage of the season, there are typically one or two desperate suitors at the position.
Giants Insider Reveals Expected Cutdown Decision on Jameis Winston: Report