How the Jets' and Giants' rebuilds compare entering training camp

The New York Giants are historically more successful than the New York Jets, but they've been in a similar spot recently. The Jets have the NFL's worst record since 2016 (49-116), followed by the Giants (55-109-1).

It's no coincidence that both teams are rebuilding after failed regimes. The Jets ranked fourth in total defense in 2022, second in 2023, and fifth in 2024, but wasted that unit due toZach Wilson's ineffectiveness and Aaron Rodgers' season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1 of 2023.

Rodgers played a full campaign in 2024, but the squad still finished 5-12 after ranking 24th in total offense.

The Jets then installed a new front office and coaching staff in 2025 and have since reshaped the roster while adding future draft capital. They now have three first-round picks in 2027, but don't have a long-term quarterback.

Conversely, the Giants drafted Jaxson Dart out of Ole Miss No. 25 overall in 2025, and he ranked 17th with a 57.5 ESPN QBR over 14 games last season. The 23-year-old also totaled 15 passing touchdowns against five interceptions with nine rushing scores.

The Giants then hired head coach John Harbaugh this offseason and traded star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 2026 No. 10 overall pick, which they used to take Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. They also drafted Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese No. 5.

Who's in a better position to compete moving forward?

Giants, Jets saddled with unknown variables

While Dart showed flashes of being a potential franchise quarterback last season, the Giants got unlucky with injuries. Star wideout Malik Nabers tore his right ACL in Week 4 and could be ready for Week 1 in September, but "nobody really knows," per ESPN's Jordan Raanan. Running back Cam Skattebo also dislocated his ankle in Week 8, but is expected to be ready for training camp, per ESPN.

If those two players regain their pre-injury form this year, then Dart has a higher chance of success. Nabers tallied 109 catches on 1,204 yards with seven touchdowns as a rookie after the Giants drafted him No. 6 overall in 2024, and Skattebo totaled 617 scrimmage yards with seven touchdowns on 125 touches (4.9 yards per touch) after they drafted him No. 105 overall last year.

However, there's no guarantee that will happen, and there will be added pressure for Dart to perform regardless. If the 23-year-old has a sophomore slump, Harbaugh's first season in New York will not be smooth.

Meanwhile, the Jets don't have any quarterback-related pressure this year. Geno Smith is a bridge option, and Cade Klubnik is a fourth-round rookie not expected to produce right away.

That brings more attention to the development of young players like defensive end David Bailey (2026 No. 2 overall pick), right tackle Armand Membou (2025 No. 7 overall pick), left tackle Olu Fashanu (2024 No. 11 overall pick) and tight end Kenyon Sadiq (2026 No. 16 overall pick).

Plus, they still have established veterans like star wide receiver Garrett Wilson and tailback Breece Hall providing stability.

The latter two players have already experienced what happens when a rebuilding team doesn't find a viable long-term quarterback. That'll be the top priority next offseason, but the job for now is to take a step forward after finishing 3-14 in 2025, which would help create a winning culture before landing its signal-caller.

The Giants want Dart to lead them to glory, but it's too early to tell if he's the next Eli Manning. Still, having a young quarterback with a productive season under his belt puts them a step ahead of their MetLife Stadium counterparts, as it's the most important position.

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