The New York Giants have officially made a quarterback change, benching former first-round pick Daniel Jones in favor of Tommy DeVito. The decision, which many Giants fans have been clamoring for over the past two years, comes after a season of disappointing performances from Jones following a surprise playoff run in 2022. Head coach Brian Daboll, in a move that signals both a shake-up and a shift in the team’s offensive direction, announced the switch ahead of the Giants’ matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this weekend.
The End of the Jones Era?
Jones, who signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension after a career year in 2022, has failed to live up to expectations in 2024. After showing promise during the Giants’ unexpected playoff appearance last year, Jones regressed badly this season, struggling with turnovers, poor decision-making, and an inability to move the offense. Despite flashes of potential, his play has been inconsistent, and the Giants’ offense has been stagnant as a result.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for all three of those guys,” said Daboll in a press conference announcing the change. “After evaluating a bunch of things and looking at a lot of tape, and being around Tommy last year where he created a little bit of a spark for us, that’s the reason why we’re going with Tommy.”
Daboll’s decision to bench Jones marks a significant turning point for both the quarterback and the Giants’ franchise. While Jones’ contract has made the situation complicated — particularly with his $23 million injury guarantee — Daboll made it clear that the team needed a change.
Enter Tommy DeVito
DeVito, who appeared in nine games for the Giants in 2023, offers a different skill set than Jones. The second-year quarterback out of Illinois completed 64% of his passes for 1,101 yards, with eight touchdowns and just three interceptions. DeVito also showed some mobility, adding 195 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. While he’s far from a polished product, DeVito’s ability to create plays with his legs and avoid critical mistakes gave Daboll confidence that he could spark the offense.
“I’m excited to see what Tommy brings to the table,” Daboll said, expressing confidence in his new starter. “That’s why he’s out there. We had a lot of conversations, studied a lot of stuff, and have confidence in Tommy. That’s the reason why he’s in there.”
For DeVito, this is a massive opportunity. While he may not have the pedigree or big contract that Jones boasts, the quarterback out of Illinois could be the long-term solution the Giants have been searching for.
The Backup Plan
With DeVito stepping in as the starter, the Giants needed to bolster their quarterback depth. Enter veteran Tim Boyle. Boyle, who has bounced around the NFL as a backup, will join the Giants as an emergency option should DeVito or backup Drew Lock go down. Boyle’s experience in the NFL makes him a low-risk addition for a team in need of a capable third-string quarterback.
Boyle could potentially serve as a safety net for the Giants, though it’s unclear whether he’ll see any significant playing time unless absolutely necessary. Daboll, however, was clear in his support for DeVito, noting that the team’s confidence in their new starter is high.
“We’ll continue to work with Drew. He’s been nothing but a pro, and as was Daniel,” Daboll said. “It’s never an easy conversation to have with the players, but we feel like this is a necessary move for us.”
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What’s Next for Daniel Jones?
As for Daniel Jones, his future with the Giants is now in question. With DeVito stepping in and playing well, Jones’ $160 million contract could become a major point of contention for the Giants’ front office moving forward. The team’s ability to adjust and move forward with DeVito could determine whether Jones remains in New York in the long term. While Daboll has not fully closed the door on Jones returning to the starting role, it’s clear that the team is ready to move in a different direction for now.
For Jones, it’s a frustrating turn of events. The quarterback who showed promise in 2022 after years of criticism is now facing the real possibility of becoming a backup. The Giants’ decision to go with DeVito signals a shift in philosophy — a chance for the offense to find a spark and an evaluation of whether Jones is truly the answer at quarterback long term.
A Crucial Test for DeVito
As for DeVito, his debut as the starting quarterback will come this weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It’s a high-stakes situation for the second-year QB, as his performance could either solidify his status as the starter or send the Giants back to the drawing board at the most important position on the field.
As the Giants’ season continues, all eyes will be on DeVito. He has a chance to prove that he can be the spark the offense needs and, perhaps, the quarterback of the future for the New York Giants.
The clock is ticking for the Giants and Daniel Jones. Will DeVito seize his moment, or will the Giants return to Jones as their savior? The answers could determine not only the outcome of this season but the trajectory of the franchise for years to come.
