Kyle Shanahan, Robert Saleh Send Clear Message on Jaxson Dart Ahead of Giants-49ers Matchup

The New York Giants (2-6) are preparing for a home tilt with the San Francisco 49ers (5-3) on Sunday.

Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart has been a hot topic since being inserted as the starter in Week 4 and has taken the league by storm.

The Ole Miss product has racked up some gaudy numbers to start his career and has won two of his first five starts.

Dart has completed 59.9% of his passes and thrown for 984 yards, including eight passing touchdowns and three interceptions.

He’s been productive on the ground as well, running 43 times for 195 yards and four rushing touchdowns.

Dart’s performances have caught the eyes of San Francisco’s coaches, including head coach Kyle Shanahan and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, and both coaches have praised the rookie throughout the week.

Kyle Shanahan Praises Jaxson Dart

The San Francisco 49ers head coach knows a thing or two about quarterback play.

In Shanahan’s Niners stint, he’s had 10 different starting quarterbacks, and has managed to maintain a winning percentage of .546.

So it’s safe to say that when he praises a quarterback, it carries a little more weight than your average Joe.

“I’ve been really impressed with him. They’re mixing in a lot of RPOs for him, which I think is good for him, and he’s got a good feel for them. He’s just been really impressive watching the tape. He’s got a very good knack for off-schedule plays,” Shanahan said regarding Dart.

“Attacking through the air, scrambling. You drop any of your plays in coverage, he finds them. His vision is pretty elite. When he gets outside the pocket, or playing inside the pocket, he knows how to play quarterback. And he’s been extremely impressive so far.”

Clearly, Shanahan likes what he’s seeing from the 25th overall pick in this past April’s draft, and to go even further, is impressed by New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll’s offense around him.

Robert Saleh Gushes Over Jaxson Dart

There’s arguably no better job done by a defensive coordinator this season than Saleh, who’s been dealt a rough hand with injuries.

Losing Nick Bosa and Fred Warner should’ve set them back, but the San Francisco 49ers continue to find ways to get stops and win games.

Saleh also knows a thing or two about the New York market and quarterback play, having served as the New York Jets head coach from 2021-2024.

And he has also been impressed by the New York Giants‘ rookie quarterback.

“He is uber talented. I understand why Daboll went to the Blue Tent. I probably would have went too,” Saleh joked, referring to the team’s concussion controversy from their Week 6 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

“He’s a really, really, really good kid. I think New York hit on this one, big time. But he’s dynamic, he’s decisive, he’s accurate. He’s been a joy to watch. Just studying his tape over the last five starts now. And they’re doing a really good job with him.

“There’s certain things they’re asking of him, but they’re doing a good job hiding it within their weekly game plans. I’ve always thought Daboll’s done a really good job, him and [Mike] Kafka. They put a lot of strain on defenses, and this kid, he’s going to be special.”

The 49ers coaches have made it obvious they’re not taking the opposing quarterback lightly, no matter how young he is.

It will be a fun chess match to watch on Sunday as the Giants look to bounce back from a demoralizing loss to their division rival Eagles, last weekend.

Giants just confirmed what fans feared about Jaxson Dart’s situation

Actions speak louder than words.

Stop me if you’ve heard this before — New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart needs more support. He needed help even when Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo were healthy, and now that they’re both done for the year, it’s downright critical

Big Blue has to do right by its 22-year-old signal-caller. With Tuesday’s trade deadline looming, this is general manager Joe Schoen’s moment to roll up his sleeves and find Dart some reinforcements. Head coach Brian Daboll has already punted the responsibility upstairs, telling reporters trade negotiations are Joey's job and that he’s focused on developing the guys already on the roster.

And that’s where things get a little eyebrow-raising.

Speaking with reporters on Thursday, offensive coordinator Mike Kafka highlighted Wan’Dale Robinson as the team’s most consistent receiver in terms of technique. He then pivoted to praise practice squad receiver Ray-Ray McCloud — acquired after being released by the Atlanta Falcons — for quickly picking up the offense. And there's the quiet part being said out loud.

Giants banking on Wan’Dale Robinson, practice squad WRs to support Jaxson Dart

Kafka didn’t mean it as an indictment, but it kind of is. Propping up McCloud as a potential savior, just days before the trade deadline, signals how depleted this offense really is.

No matter how hard they try to frame it, this current group isn’t enough.

And then there’s Darius Slayton. Kafka didn’t mention him by name, but he didn’t need to. The 28-year-old had a golden opportunity to step into a larger role this season — especially with Nabers out — but has continued to prove he’s best suited as a WR3. That’s not necessarily a crime, but it’s not going to help Dart grow much either.

It’s Week 9. The Giants are 2-6. Their two most dynamic playmakers are shelved until 2026. Dart just won October's NFL Rookie of the Month, and the coaching staff is trying to sell the fan base on Robinson and a practice squad signing. That’s a tough sell.

If Schoen is serious about helping out his franchise quarterback, making a move before Tuesday's deadline would make sense. Jauan Jennings, Adonai Mitchell, and Calvin Ridley are some names to keep an eye out for.

But to be clear, Robinson has been excellent. He’s on pace for a career-best season and likely a nice offseason payday. But let’s not pretend the job is close to done. Every move the Giants make from here on out should be about one thing: building around their franchise quarterback. If they’re serious about Dart, they need to act like it.

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