Slayton urges Giants to give Jaxson Dart time, citing 2019 benching of Jones
Giants receiver ties 2025 QB discussion to past decisions as team weighs future at the position amid a winless start and looming matchup with the Chargers
Darius Slayton is advocating that the New York Giants approach a potential quarterback change with the same patience the franchise showed in 2019, when Eli Manning was benched in favor of first-round pick Daniel Jones for a Week 3 game against the Buccaneers. Slayton, one of the team’s longest-tenured players, suggested that a long arc for a young quarterback can be more beneficial than rushing a switch, noting that Jones’ tenure with the Giants did not end on ideal terms and that he faced a rapid, high-pressure transition early in his career.
The 2019 decision came under then-coach Pat Shurmur as the Giants tried to balance development with results, and Slayton pointed to it as a blueprint for how to handle a potential shift to Jaxson Dart, a first-round prospect described in anecdotes surrounding the current discussion. He also reminded listeners that quarterback transitions can be controversial and complicated, and that the ultimate goal is to allow a young player to grow into the job rather than to force a premature outcome. Slayton cited the later paths of quarterbacks such as Jones—who was released by the Giants last season before resurfacing with the Colts and helping them to a 3-0 start this year—and other examples in the league where a player benefited from time to learn and observe.
Slayton highlighted that even among the sport’s most lauded players, a period of sitting and watching can be valuable. He pointed to Patrick Mahomes, who spent his rookie season largely on the sideline before blossoming into one of the league’s defining talents, and to Lamar Jackson, who waited for a clearer path to leadership. Slayton stressed that the Chiefs’ coaching staff under Andy Reid believed in the approach, and he argued that Dart could likewise benefit from a measured timeline. He reiterated that he endorses giving the rookie time to mature if the coaching staff decides to pursue a change, and that he would support Dart’s growth rather than prematurely relegating him to the bench after a short stretch of games.
“If they do decide to move forward with Dart,” Slayton said, “he’s talented and has shown the ability to learn quickly. He’s capable of becoming a good NFL quarterback. If there is a rough patch, give him time to grow, allow the team to gel, and give him a chance to learn what it takes to play at the NFL level.” He added that fans should avoid booing a young quarterback after a brief struggles, and that patience could yield a longer-term gain for the franchise if the player develops into a sustainable contributor.
The discussion comes amid broader questions at the Giants, who entered a critical stretch with a winless start and a potential decision on the quarterback depth chart looming ahead of an upcoming game against the Chargers. Slayton did not commit to a specific timetable, but he indicated that the team should be prepared to evaluate all options with an eye toward long-term growth rather than short-term results. He emphasized that the aim is to allow Dart to learn, adapt, and eventually operate as a confident NFL passer, a trajectory he believes Jones did not always receive during his early years in New York.
The Giants have not publicly detailed a plan for the immediate future at quarterback, and a Decision could hinge on a range of factors including Dart’s readiness, the team’s win-loss context, and the coaching staff’s assessment of Dart’s development curve. Slayton’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment inside the locker room that successful transitions often require stability, time, and a clear pathway for growth rather than abrupt, pressure-filled changes.
As the weekend matchup with the Chargers approaches, the league will watch how New York navigates the issue. Slayton’s stance underscores a willingness to support a measured approach that prioritizes long-term quarterback development, aligning with examples from Mahomes and Jackson, and echoing the philosophy that patience can be a strategic asset when cultivating a franchise quarterback.
The discussion also touched on the broader reality of quarterback development in the NFL, where several young signal-callers have benefited from learning behind a veteran or sitting for a spell before taking on the full responsibility of leading an offense. Slayton’s comments place Jaxson Dart within that continuum, presenting a scenario in which the Giants weigh immediate results against the potential for lasting, sustainable success through gradual growth. While no decision has been announced, the conversations reflect a team contemplating its direction at a pivotal position as it navigates a challenging start to the season.
The debate remains ongoing as the team evaluates its options, with Slayton expressing confidence in Dart’s ability to mature into a capable leader at the NFL level and urging patience from the fan base and the organization alike. If Dart does receive an extended opportunity, the coming weeks will be telling in whether the Giants can translate a developmental plan into on-field success.
