The New York Giants’ rookie quarterback, Jaxson Dart, has decided not to pay teammate Deonte Banks to acquire his preferred jersey number, stating that the asking price was too high. This decision comes after Banks previously sold his No. 2 jersey to Russell Wilson, who now wears it. As a top-25 draft pick, Dart was set to earn a significant contract, but the cost of the jersey number was deemed too steep for him to accept.
While Dart’s name had been linked to the Giants leading up to the draft, New York made a surprising move by trading up to select the former Ole Miss quarterback in the first round of the NFL Draft. The Giants had a clear belief in Dart’s potential, showcasing their commitment to the young talent by making the necessary trade to secure the pick. Dart wore the No. 2 jersey at Ole Miss, a number that currently belongs to Giants cornerback Deonte Banks.
The latest NFL collective bargaining agreement introduced fixed rookie pay scales, effectively eliminating negotiations on compensation. Since Dart was selected as the 25th overall pick, he was expected to earn a total of $16.9 million over the life of his first contract, with an estimated $9 million in signing bonuses. Despite this, Dart found the price for the jersey number too steep and opted for the No. 6 jersey instead.
In a recent interview, Dart expressed his uncertainty about the jersey choice, saying, “I think we’ll come to a final decision here soon. Quite honestly, I kind of have to just look at the pictures to see if I like myself in No. 6.” This candid response highlights the personal nature of the jersey number decision, which often carries sentimental value for players.
Banks had previously sold his No. 3 jersey to Wilson in March, switching to No. 2. However, the asking price for the No. 2 jersey from Banks was not something Dart was willing to pay. This situation echoes a similar incident last year when Drew Lock, who wore the No. 2 jersey during his lone season with the Giants, eventually signed with the Seattle Seahawks after the team.
The Giants’ approach to draft picks and player development continues to be a topic of interest for fans and analysts. While the jersey number dispute may seem minor, it reflects the broader dynamics of team culture and individual player preferences within the NFL. As the season approaches, the focus will likely shift to Dart’s performance on the field, where his abilities and potential will ultimately determine his place in the Giants’ future.