Giants Sign Veteran QB Brandon Allen Before 2026 NFL Draft

New York brings in experienced backup to compete with Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:14pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football quarterback in the process of throwing, with the player's body and the ball broken down into overlapping planes of color and abstract shapes.The Giants' quarterback competition takes shape as the team signs veteran Brandon Allen to join Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.Denver Today

The New York Giants have signed veteran quarterback Brandon Allen to join their quarterback room ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Allen, a sixth-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016, has played in 19 career games as a backup for several teams including the Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals, San Francisco 49ers, and Tennessee Titans. He will compete with Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston for the starting job under new head coach John Harbaugh.

Why it matters

The Giants are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 4-13 season and are making moves to solidify their quarterback position. Dart showed promise as a rookie but struggled with injuries, while Winston has been inconsistent throughout his career. Bringing in the experienced Allen provides depth and competition at the position as the team prepares for the upcoming draft.

The details

Dart was the Giants' starting quarterback for much of the 2025 season after veteran Russell Wilson was benched. Dart showed flashes of potential, defeating the Chargers and Eagles early in the year, but also struggled with injuries and inconsistency. The team's season unraveled after rookie running back Cam Skattebo suffered a season-ending ankle injury. With the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 draft, the Giants are looking to add more talent around their young quarterback.

  • The Giants signed Allen on April 13, 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23, 2026.

The players

Jaxson Dart

The Giants' young starting quarterback who showed promise but struggled with injuries in 2025.

Jameis Winston

Veteran quarterback who has been inconsistent throughout his NFL career.

Brandon Allen

Experienced backup quarterback who has played for several teams, including the Broncos, Bengals, 49ers, and Titans.

John Harbaugh

The new head coach of the Giants, taking over after the firing of Brian Daboll.

Cam Skattebo

Rookie running back sensation for the Giants who suffered a season-ending ankle injury in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“We have signed QB Brandon Allen”

— New York Giants

What’s next

The Giants will continue to evaluate their quarterback options ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, where they hold the No. 5 overall pick.

The takeaway

The Giants are making a concerted effort to stabilize their quarterback position this offseason, bringing in the experienced Brandon Allen to compete with Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston. This move signals the team's desire to find a reliable starter to lead them back to the playoffs after a disappointing 2025 campaign.