The New York Giants have officially decided to part ways with Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback, a move that marks the end of an era after six seasons. Head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen announced that Tommy DeVito will lead the team in their upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The decision comes after a disappointing period for Jones, who was drafted sixth overall in 2019. His journey has been tumultuous, compounded by frequent coaching changes, high turnover, and inconsistent performance. Despite a standout 2022 season where he performed admirably in a contract year, this season has been bleak, with the Giants currently at 2-8 and Jones holding a 3-13 record since signing a four-year, $160 million contract.
The Giants’ continual losses and an urgent need for a change prompted this decision. Daboll hinted at needing a “spark” after benching Jones weeks earlier during a significant loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The timing aligns with the bye week, allowing for a fresh start as the team seeks to turn their fortunes around. An injury guarantee clause in Jones’ contract also played a crucial role in this move; if he were to be injured in the upcoming games, it could activate a $23 million injury guarantee for next season.
For the Giants, moving forward with DeVito, who previously demonstrated potential by leading the team to three wins late last season, offers a new direction. While the Giants may have overlooked him previously in favor of Drew Lock, they now hope that DeVito can step up and inspire a turnaround on the field.
The changes also reflect the pressure on Daboll and Schoen, as they need to demonstrate that this quarterback change can yield a more viable offensive output than Jones has provided. This is particularly critical, given that the Giants’ scoring offense ranks lowest in the league this season.
In terms of team sentiment, players continue to support Jones, acknowledging his effort and leadership. Notably, tight end Daniel Bellinger openly stated that Jones remains their guy, highlighting the respect he retains within the locker room despite the struggles.
Looking ahead, the Giants are formally in the market for a franchise quarterback, especially with the possibility of achieving a high draft pick in 2025. Candidates like Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders are already on their radar, reflecting a strategic pivot toward building for the future.
This shift could serve as a rejuvenating moment for the Giants, indicating a new chapter as they reassess both their roster and their path forward in pursuit of success.
In summary, the Giants are hoping that with DeVito at the helm, they can jumpstart their struggling offense and potentially set the stage for a brighter future, possibly positioning themselves for a franchise quarterback in the upcoming draft.