EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart just made his first headline-worthy decision in New York — and it had nothing to do with throwing a football.
With a $17 million rookie deal and a $9 million signing bonus already in his bank account, Dart was expected to make a splash. And he did — just not in the way fans expected.
The 23-year-old had his sights set on jersey No. 2, the same number he wore throughout his college career and a digit that, according to sources, “felt like destiny.” But that number belonged to cornerback Deonte Banks, and Banks wasn’t about to give it up without a serious payday.
The reported price? Enough to make Dart pause — and pivot.
“He hit me with that price tag, and I had to hit the brakes,” Dart told reporters with a laugh. “I’m not saying he’s wrong, but let’s just say it was more than I wanted to spend on a digit.”
So instead of shelling out what insiders suggest could’ve been a six-figure sum for the single-digit swag, Dart turned heads by choosing No. 6 — a clean break from the past and a symbolic start to what he hopes will be a legacy of his own.
“Call it a budget decision or call it fate,” Dart said. “But I like the feel of No. 6. It’s fresh. It’s mine.”
Giants fans quickly jumped on the news, with #DartSix trending on X (formerly Twitter) just minutes after the announcement.
“Jaxson Dart just made being frugal cool again,” one fan posted. “We stan a QB who makes smart choices off the field too.”
Another wrote, “If No. 6 takes us to the playoffs, Banks can keep No. 2 forever.”
The locker room, meanwhile, had a field day.
“Hey, I respect it,” Banks said when asked about the number deal. “This is the NFL — everything’s got a price. Jaxson made a call. And now he’s got his own chapter.”
As for Dart, the focus now turns to the field. OTAs are in full swing, and all eyes are on the rookie as he begins the uphill climb of leading a franchise hungry for relevance — and results.
But whether No. 2, No. 6, or even No. 99, it’s clear Jaxson Dart has already made one smart read: Know when to spend… and when to say “Too much.”
Welcome to New York, QB6.