Imagine the drama unfolding in the NFL's elite circles: a Hall of Fame legend passionately defending a young quarterback's potential, while taking a playful jab at a former teammate. That's the buzz surrounding Michael Strahan and his bold stance on Jaxson Dart as the New York Giants' future star at quarterback. But here's where it gets controversial—Strahan didn't hold back in calling out his old pal Danny Kanell, sparking debates about loyalty, past performances, and what really defines a franchise player. Stick around, because this story dives deep into the highs and lows of Dart's rookie year, and you might just find yourself questioning your own take on quarterback evaluations.
Michael Strahan, the legendary defensive end who once terrorized opponents for the Giants, is all in on Jaxson Dart stepping into the role of the team's long-term quarterback, often called the 'franchise QB'—that's the player a team builds around for years, much like a cornerstone in a building. During a lively discussion on 'FOX NFL Sunday,' Strahan urged the Giants to keep moving forward with Dart as their primary play caller starting in 2026. For beginners in football lingo, this means Dart would be the guy under center, directing the offense and making key decisions on every snap.
And this is the part most people miss—while championing Dart, Strahan couldn't resist throwing some shade at Danny Kanell, a fellow former Giant and current CBS Sports analyst. The two shared the field together from 1996 to 1998, so there's history here. Strahan fondly recalled how Kanell once shone in just a couple of strong games and earned the team's trust with a fresh contract. 'One of my old teammates, Danny Kanell, suggested that Jaxson Dart might not have shown enough to warrant being the quarterback of the future or deserving a new deal,' Strahan quipped. 'But Danny himself performed well in only two games and still got locked in—so chill out, Danny!'
Last week, on CBS Sports HQ, Kanell openly pondered Dart's long-term fit in New York. He expressed skepticism about whether the 2025 first-round pick—meaning the Giants selected him early in the draft, a sign of high expectations—could truly be the answer at quarterback for the next decade or more. 'I'm not sure if Jaxson Dart is the long-term solution for the Giants,' Kanell shared. 'Typically, a first-rounder is someone you envision leading your team for 10 to 12 years. Yet, I haven't witnessed the growth I want in his passing game. He's still more of a runner, with plays designed to let him scramble and pick up yards on the ground. I need to see him elevate his throwing accuracy and decision-making before I can call him the guy.'
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To set the stage, let's look at Dart's promising yet turbulent rookie season. The talented alum from Ole Miss didn't kick off as New York's starting quarterback; that honor initially went to veteran Russell Wilson. But after a rocky 0-3 start, head coach Brian Daboll turned to Dart in Week 4, and the young signal caller ignited the offense. He guided the Giants to victories against the Los Angeles Chargers and the Philadelphia Eagles, showcasing flashes of brilliance that had fans excited.
However, things got bumpy. From there, Dart struggled, failing to secure a win in his next seven starts, right up until the team's 34-10 triumph over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 17. During this stretch, Daboll was let go, and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka stepped in as interim head coach. On top of that, Dart dealt with a concussion that sidelined him for two games, and over the season, he was checked for concussions at least five times—a common occurrence in football's high-impact world, where head injuries are a serious risk that can sideline players and affect their performance.
Dart and the Giants bounced back strongly, capping the year with a commanding 34-17 victory over the Cowboys in Week 18. Across 14 games, including 12 starts, he threw for an impressive 2,272 yards, connected on 15 touchdowns, and had just five interceptions, maintaining a solid 63.7% completion rate. He also added nine rushing touchdowns, highlighting his dual-threat capabilities—think of it as being able to throw like a traditional QB while also running like a dynamic back, which can open up new play options but sometimes raises eyebrows about whether he's truly a 'pure' passer.
Looking ahead, the Giants are set to have a top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is a highly competitive lottery where teams select talent to build their rosters. Given Dart's performance this year, it's probably unlikely New York would opt to draft another quarterback and hit the reset button, even with potential changes in leadership. That said, this decision could fuel endless debate: is sticking with a young player who excels on the ground but has room to grow in passing the right move, or should the Giants hedge their bets on a proven arm?
What do you think, fans? Should the Giants commit to Jaxson Dart as their franchise QB, or is Danny Kanell's caution about his passing development spot on? Is Strahan's loyalty to his position fair play, or just old-school bias? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with the Hall of Famer, or are you team Kanell? Let's discuss!
