The New York Giants have opted not to make backup quarterbacks Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston available to speak with reporters this week ahead of the season opener at Washington, as some media outlets say it’s a breach of the NFL’s media policy.
New York-based media outlets and reporters are interested in interviewing the quarterbacks as the Giants announced that Dart is now be listed as the No. 2 quarterback ahead of the veteran Winston.
But according to a story from New York Daily News, a Giants public relations staffer interrupted a cordial, non-football conversation between reporters and Dart in the locker room to say that backup quarterbacks would not be talking.
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 21: Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants in action during a NFL Preseason 2025 game between New England Patriots and New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on August 21, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won 42-10. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
The New York Giants Have Been Denying Interview Requests
The Giants later clarified that interview requests for backup quarterbacks could be submitted in advance for consideration. However, the team has since denied multiple requests, including a Daily News request to speak with Dart “about his emotions and approach to his first NFL regular-season game,” as well as a similar request from the New York Post.
The Giants claim they have previously used request-based protocols for second- and third-string quarterbacks. That is inaccurate — and even if it were true, it would still violate the policy, according to NJ Advance Media.
Last season, Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito — both behind Daniel Jones on the depth chart — routinely spoke to reporters in the locker room, just like other players, without needing a request.
It’s unclear why the Giants are now taking a different approach with Dart and Winston.
NFL Media Policy Says Players Must Be Made Available
The NFL and the Pro Football Writers of America have long maintained an agreed-upon media access policy.
The policy requires players to be available to reporters “following every game and regularly in person during the practice week.” Teams may designate up to two players to speak only once during the week, but no player can go entirely unavailable.
This week, the Giants said Dart and Winston would be accessible only in the midweek locker room if requested, a “violation of the policy,” according to NJ Advance Media. The rule does not require reporters to submit requests through a team’s media relations department.
Report Says Russell Wilson May Be to Blame
The New York Daily News stipulates that the Giants are trying to keep starting quarterback Russell Wilson happy.
Wilson has developed a reputation for being high-maintenance, having clashed with numerous Denver Broncos teammates and staff during his brief tenure by insisting on a private office in the team’s facility, according to the report.
Several of Wilson’s former Seahawks teammates have criticized him, suggesting he received preferential treatment in Seattle and was difficult to approach.
The outlet inquired whether Wilson had a role in shaping the Giants’ media policy for backup quarterbacks. The Giants replied: “We have not established a new policy. The communication department oversees media availability procedures, and neither Russell Wilson nor any other player is involved in these decisions.”
Kickoff for the Giants Week 1 matchup with the Commanders is 1 p.m. EDT
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