EAST RUTHERFORD – The New York Giants’ decision to bench quarterback Daniel Jones and promote Tommy DeVito to the starting position has become a significant talking point. While Jones is owed a $23 million injury guarantee, the move was driven by both his performance and financial considerations.
General manager Joe Schoen, head coach Brian Daboll, and Giants ownership recognized that Jones’ struggle on the field could no longer be overlooked. Despite a promising 2022 season where Jones achieved personal highs in passing yards, completion percentage, and passer rating, reality has set in during the current season, which finds the Giants with a disappointing 2-8 record.
Schoen has openly reflected on the situation, acknowledging that the team’s initial optimism about Jones may have been a misjudgment in light of their recent form. Since signing his contract, which guarantees $82 million over two years, the team has won only three of the 16 games he started.
The Giants gain significant salary cap relief by opting to release Jones before March 16, 2025, despite incurring $22 million in dead money. This financial aspect is hard to ignore, yet the bottom line remains Jones’ inability to produce on the field.
In evaluating their quarterback options, the coaching staff watched extensive game film and determined that a change was necessary to boost their offense’s performance. DeVito, having previously played well under the current system, has been given the opportunity to finish the season.
While the decision may result in some fan backlash—particularly toward the backup Drew Lock who was given a lucrative contract earlier this year—Daboll reassured that their focus was purely on what was best for the team in terms of performance.
As the Giants aim to turn their season around, they hope that DeVito’s leadership will provide a much-needed spark. The organization remains committed to making strategic changes that could potentially set the stage for a more successful future.
This move, while born of necessity, brings hope for new beginnings for the Giants as they embark on a decisive phase of their season, striving for improvement and gradual recovery. Fans can look forward with optimism to the ways DeVito might reinvigorate the team’s dynamics and foster a fresh energy on the field.