Free agent Jimmy Garoppolo has quickly emerged as one of the names they're circling.
Dart suffered a torn MCL and PCL along with meniscus damage in Monday's 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams and will undergo season-ending surgery.
Per the New York Post's Ryan Dunleavy, New York's interest in Garoppolo has sharpened, with the veteran quarterback among the first names under real discussion.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo added that the Giants are one of the few teams Garoppolo would seriously consider, after he passed on returning to the Rams and briefly weighed retirement this offseason.
Why He's Available At All
Garoppolo elected free agency this past offseason after spending the previous two seasons as Matthew Stafford's backup in Los Angeles, seeing limited action in that stretch.
Mike Garafolo expects the Giants to be interested in Jimmy Garoppolo.
— Big Blue Film Room (@BigBlueFilmRoom) September 23, 2026
Garoppolo is currently a free agent. He last played for the Rams last season.
The veteran quarterback has a 43-21 career record. He was the 49ers starter in Super Bowl LIV. pic.twitter.com/UT33Lcn53J
His most recent significant game action came in a Week 18 start against Seattle to close the 2024 season, when he went 27 of 41 for 334 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.
For his career, the 34-year-old carries a 43-21 record across 64 starts and led the San Francisco 49ers to Super Bowl LIV during the 2019 season.
New York Is Willing To Make A Real Push
Head coach John Harbaugh made clear the team's approach right after Dart's injury.
"All options are open right now," Harbaugh said, adding that adding a veteran was something he'd likely pursue, while also leaving the door open to a younger option becoming available.
Jameis Winston, who signed a two-year, $13 million extension just before Week 1, will remain the starter regardless of any addition, with Garoppolo more likely to slot in as a backup capable of running the offense if needed rather than an immediate replacement.
Right now, the Giants' depth at the position is thin enough to make the pursuit urgent.
Jake Haener, currently on the practice squad, is the only other quarterback under contract, leaving little margin if Winston struggles or gets hurt himself.
🚨🚨 Jimmy Garoppolo could become an option for the New York Giants if Jameis Winston struggles following Jaxson Dart’s knee injury, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) September 25, 2026
Rapoport described Garoppolo as the “top option” among currently unsigned quarterbacks.#NFL #NewYork… pic.twitter.com/urfanMcAuN
Winston's relief effort against the Rams didn't inspire much confidence, finishing 11 of 27 for 111 yards with an interception.
A deal wouldn't need to happen immediately, since Garoppolo remains a free agent and isn't tied to another team's roster or trade compensation.
