The era of Daniel Jones as the starting quarterback for the New York Giants may be coming to an end. Following a tough 2-8 start to the season, the Giants have opted to bench Jones in favor of Tommy DeVito, a backup quarterback who has quickly become a fan favorite.
This decision follows a rough overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers, marking the team’s fifth consecutive defeat. Drafted sixth overall in 2019, Jones was injured during this challenging season, prompting the Giants to consider the financial implications of keeping him in the lineup. If he cannot pass a physical in the offseason due to an injury sustained this year, a clause in his contract could trigger a $23 million payment in 2025.
While it’s common for quarterbacks to have such injury clauses in their contracts, Giants general manager Joe Schoen clarified last week that any benching would purely be a “football decision” and not financially motivated.
Historically, Jones’ situation is reminiscent of previous instances where teams benched quarterbacks to sidestep hefty injury payments, as seen with players like Russell Wilson and Derek Carr. Jones, who has no guaranteed money remaining after this season, is in the second year of a contract extension worth $160 million. If the Giants choose to part ways with him this offseason, they will incur $22 million in dead money and will likely look for a new franchise quarterback in a promising draft class.
The choice to start DeVito, over backup Drew Lock, indicates a shift in strategy for the Giants. DeVito, who gained popularity for his local roots and impressive performances last year, is stepping into the spotlight as the team prepares to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
This transition, while reflecting the challenges the Giants face this season, offers a glimmer of hope. As they look to tap into DeVito’s potential and rekindle the fan’s enthusiasm for the team, there is an opportunity for rejuvenation and a fresh start in a challenging season. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see if DeVito can reignite the Giants’ performance and contribute to a turnaround.