Feb. 8, 2026, 6:05 a.m. ET

New York Giants rookies Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo are embracing leadership roles heading into a pivotal offseason under new head coach John Harbaugh, following a challenging 4-13 debut season in 2025 marred by injuries and a late losing streak.

Dart, the quarterback who took over as the starter early and showed promise despite setbacks, emphasized his vocal approach to building team culture.

“I think this is a huge offseason for me to continue to make relationships with the guys and really help to create that culture,” Dart told The Athletic. “Being able to build that so when we go through the season that it’s unwavering.”

Dart has long been a natural leader, and entering his second year as the unquestioned QB, he plans to foster unwavering commitment through relationships.

“I think when we had our chances on the field, then it gave us a little bit more opportunities to speak up and kind of set an expectation of what we view how things should be,” Dart said. “That definitely takes time to develop by creating relationships and creating that trust among your teammates and coaches.”

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.

Skattebo, the running back who emerged as a dynamic force before a severe ankle injury (dislocated ankle, fractured fibula, ruptured deltoid ligament), focuses on leading by example with relentless effort.

“I think Coach Harbaugh is going to do a great job of building the physicality of our team and the discipline of guys paying attention and doing the right thing all the time,” Skattebo said. “That’s why I’m super excited to have him as a coach. I’m going to go out there and play ball and give as much as I’ve got every day and hopefully bring (a Super Bowl) back to New York.”

Aggression and physicality are music to Skattebo’s ears.

“I like to just play physical, play hard, give it everything I’ve got. And then if something needs to be said, I say it,” he said. “I’m not going to be vocal all the time. You’re not going to hear me trying to get guys going. I’m going to bring the energy every day. I’m going to bring the juice. But my leadership style is by my play. So when I do talk, people take it a little bit more serious because I don’t talk as much.”

With Harbaugh expected to instill discipline and toughness, the duo aims to transform the franchise’s culture and end over a decade of struggles.