Tiki Barber says Jaxson Dart could take over if Giants fall behind, compares rookie's leadership to Josh Allen

Giants legend Tiki Barber said Monday that rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart could begin to see playing time if the New York Giants fall out of contention early, drawing a comparison between Dart's leadership qualities and those of Buffalo Bills MVP Josh Allen.

Barber made the comments in an interview with the Daily Mail at DAZN's football season kickoff party, and said the timing of any change at quarterback will depend largely on the team's win-loss trajectory after Russell Wilson's difficult debut in a 21-6 loss to Washington. Head coach Brian Daboll confirmed after the game that Wilson would remain the starter for now, and the Giants did not turn to Dart in Week 1 despite reports the team had prepared a specific package of plays for the rookie.

"If Russ is winning, then he's gonna play. If the season gets away from us, then you might start to see Jaxson Dart inch his way in," Barber said. "I think the beauty of [Daboll] and this organization putting him as the backup quarterback, that allows them, if games get out of hand early — one way or the other — to maybe get [him] on the field and see some action."

Dart, 22, impressed during the preseason, throwing for 372 yards and three touchdowns across three games. The rookie has also drawn praise inside the Giants' building for his personality and ability to connect with teammates; assistant general manager Brandon Brown said previously that "guys cling to him."

Barber said that combination of on-field production and off-field presence is what makes Dart a potential long-term option. "Leadership is either innate or you can learn it. And I think that Jaxson has it," Barber said. He likened Dart's manner to that of Allen and Baltimore's Lamar Jackson, saying the rookie projects a "cockiness that is not cocky" and can relate to a wide range of teammates.

The veteran running back and franchise leading rusher called Dart's interpersonal skills "critical" for a quarterback expected to lead a locker room. Barber added that, in his view, the Giants now have more talent than the 3-14 team that struggled last season.

Wilson completed 17 of 37 passes against Washington, and the defeat marked the third straight season opener loss for the Giants. New York faces a demanding schedule over the next month, visiting the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2 and set to play the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers in the coming weeks.

Barber credited general manager Joe Schoen for remodeling the roster and selecting players he described as "football players, like dudes who you want to get in foxholes with," singling out additions to the secondary and the pass rush. He did not predict a specific win total but said the personnel moves reflected a clear plan.

For now, Daboll has signaled continuity at the position with Wilson remaining the starter. Barber's comments underscore that the Giants view Dart as a developmental asset who could be given limited opportunities if games fall out of hand or if a change becomes necessary to halt a losing stretch.

The Giants travel to Dallas on Sunday, where they will attempt to record their first win of the season and avoid immediate calls for a change under center.