Did The New York Giants Make The Right Choice?
The Giants made the call this week to bench Daniel Jones and promote third-string QB Tommy DeVito to starter. It was a bit surprising to some fans that Drew Lock didn’t get the nod, but it was the right call. So what does the rest of the season look like for the Giants?
Daniel Jones Is Officially Done
First things first, this was a no-brainer, and arguably decided too late. Daniel Jones hasn’t been productive enough, and the Giants offense is one of the worst in the NFL. Coming out of week 12, New York has 1,898 passing yards (27th), 2,076 receiving yards (26th), and 156 total points (32nd).
The Giants not only benched Jones but demoted him to the third string. Keeping Jones healthy is paramount if the team wants to move on from him following the season. If he were to get injured this season, the Giants would owe him $23 million in 2025, whether he’s on the team or not. It’s become clear that the Giants are moving on in 2025.
Tommy DeVito Over Drew Lock?
The Giants choosing to start DeVito over Lock has some people scratching their heads. Why sign Drew Lock to a one-year $5 million deal if he’s not going to play? It could be argued that New York feels more comfortable with the familiar face, or financially this could be a smart move.
Drew Lock’s contract, while only for one year, has incentives attached to it. If Lock were to reach a 92.5 passer rating, or a 65% completion rate this season, New York would owe him $250k. If he were to achieve an 88 passer rating along with either 15 touchdown passes, or 2,000 passing yards that’s another $250-$500k. Keeping Drew Lock on the bench is saving the Giants money.
Tommy DeVito is an established QB in New York’s system. In his six starts last year, the team had a 3-3 record. He threw for 1,101 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions. Comparing that to Daniel Jones’ 10 starts in 2024, he threw for 2,070 yards but managed eight touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Should They Be Tanking?
The short answer to this is yes. The New York Giants now need to plan for 2025, but the team is in a tricky spot. If they get a high enough pick, should they draft Travis Hunter and sign a bridge QB? Guys like Sam Darnold, Jameis Winston, and Justin Fields are viable options for New York. There’s also the fact that Brian Daboll should be coaching to win in order to keep his job.
The other option is to go right for a rookie QB to build around. This is the most likely route for them, and arguably the smartest. Miami QB Cam Ward is catching a lot of buzz as a top draft pick along with Jalen Milroe and Shadeur Sanders. The Giants need to lose games in 2024 to pick high enough, and with the amount of bad teams in the NFL, that’s no easy task.
Tommy DeVito is the starter in New York, and he’s the best choice for the job. He’s exciting to watch, not likely to overperform, and can still serve as a familiar backup for the next two to three years. Now, with rookies Malik Nabers and Tyrone Tracy Jr. playing as well as they are, it gives hope that the Giants are truly close to contention. It’s time for Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll to finally get a QB that they want, as opposed to adopting one. 2025 should be an exciting time for the New York Giants and their fanbase.