EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ. – The New York Giants are making a major shift at quarterback, benching Daniel Jones and naming Tommy DeVito as their new starter coming out of the team’s Week 11 bye.
This move not only signals the likely end of Jones’ career with the Giants but also gives the struggling franchise an opportunity to evaluate DeVito as a potential part of their future.
A Long-Term Vision That Ultimately Failed
The Giants’ decision to bench Jones, who signed a four-year, $160 million contract in 2023, stems from both performance issues and financial considerations. Jones has underwhelmed this season, throwing 10 touchdowns to 13 interceptions while leading the Giants to a 2-8 record.
With seven games remaining, the team is prioritizing the long-term view, as Jones has a $23 million injury guarantee in his contract for 2025. By sidelining him, the Giants mitigate the risk of a costly injury affecting their offseason plans.
Rather than turning to veteran backup Drew Lock, the Giants opted for DeVito, a 2023 standout who showed promise during six starts last season.
Paul Schwartz from the New York Post, explained that the Giants view Lock, who missed much of the preseason due to injury, as unlikely to return in 2025. In contrast, DeVito, who will be an exclusive rights free agent in 2025, offers a potentially affordable option as either a backup or bridge starter.
“Starting DeVito now is about finding that out,” Schwartz posted on X.
Schwartz also reveled that Daniel Jones is basically out of the picture on the revised QB depth chart for the Giants.
DeVito’s Potential
DeVito’s performance last season helped keep the Giants competitive amid injuries to Jones and Tyrod Taylor. The New Jersey native and Syracuse product went 3-3 in his starts, throwing for 1,101 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Ironically, those victories contributed to the Giants missing out on top-tier quarterback prospects like Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye in the 2024 NFL Draft.
With Jones struggling and the Giants’ offense ranking last in scoring (15.6 points per game), DeVito now has an opportunity to show if he can be a viable option for the team’s future. His first start this season will come Sunday at MetLife Stadium against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“I feel good about it,” DeVito told The New York Post. “My mindset, my work ethic, the way I’m going to keep progressing as time goes on, it’s only going to make me better.”
DeVito added: “You stay the course because you don’t know when your name is going to be called. I went through that last year, so now I know it’s a real thing. I’ll keep my head down and when the opportunity is there, make the most of it.”
The End of the Line for Jones
Jones’ tenure with the Giants has been defined by inconsistency. After a breakout 2022 season in which he led the team to the playoffs with 15 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a playoff win against the Minnesota Vikings, injuries and poor play have derailed his career. He has gone 3-13 in his last 16 starts, throwing for 10 touchdowns and nine turnovers this season alone.
The Giants’ decision to bench Jones reflects the challenges facing head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. Both staked their reputations on Jones with the lucrative contract extension in 2023, only to watch him regress.
Adding to the frustration, former star running back Saquon Barkley, now thriving with the Philadelphia Eagles, was allowed to leave via free agency, compounding the team’s offensive struggles.
A Failed Rebuild Looks Ahead
At 2-8, the Giants are effectively out of playoff contention and are likely to land a top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Many expect the team to target a quarterback, further solidifying the notion that Jones’ time with the franchise is over.
For now, the focus shifts to evaluating DeVito over the next seven games. If he performs well, the Giants could solidify their quarterback depth at a low cost while gaining clarity on their roster needs moving forward. Whether DeVito becomes a reliable backup, a potential trade chip, or simply a placeholder, his performance will help shape the Giants’ offseason strategy.
With their season all but lost, the Giants are choosing to experiment with DeVito in hopes of finding answers for 2025 and beyond. Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers will be the first step in determining whether the local favorite can seize the moment and carve out a role in the team’s future plans.