In a move that surprised many, the New York Giants have decided to bench their starting quarterback Daniel Jones in favor of Tommy DeVito. This decision comes after Jones' recent struggles on the field, notably his lackluster performance against the Carolina Panthers where he managed 190 yards, with no touchdowns and two interceptions, earning a disappointing passer rating of 50.5.
Jones, who was entrusted with a massive $160 million contract with $82 million guaranteed, has had an inconsistent career with the Giants. With 68 regular-season starts under his belt, he holds a career record of 24-44-1, which has certainly not lived up to the high expectations set for him when he was first drafted.
Despite his recent difficulties, Jones did exhibit moments of brilliance, particularly in the 2022 regular season. He achieved a commendable 92.5 passer rating, with a solid touchdown-to-interception ratio of 15 to 5. Impressively, Jones led the league in the lowest interception rate among qualifying quarterbacks at 1.1%, demonstrating his ability to protect the football.
One of Jones' standout performances came during the playoffs against Minnesota, where he completed over 68% of his passes, racking up 301 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. These flashes of proficiency have not been enough to secure his starting position, leading the Giants to consider parting ways with Jones, a move that could potentially save the team over $19 million.
The Giants' interest in securing a favorable position in the 2024 NFL Draft further compounds the situation. They are eyeing the No. 3 overall spot, indicating a potential focus on securing a fresh start with a young quarterback. Several promising talents like Cameron Ward from Miami, who boasts a 6.4% big-time throw rate and a completion rate of 67%, could be under consideration. Colorado's Sanders, with an outstanding adjusted completion rate of 81.9% and an impressive big-time throw to turnover-worthy play ratio, presents another attractive option.
Jalen Milroe from Alabama and Quinn Ewers from Texas also stand out in this forthcoming draft class. Milroe has shown a steady rise in his adjusted completion rate over the past three seasons, showcasing his development and potential. Meanwhile, Ewers has already competed in the College Football Playoff, adding a competitive edge to his college career that could appeal to the Giants' management as they evaluate their options.
As the Giants weigh their choices, the shift to Tommy DeVito is a clear indication of their desire to explore different avenues in their quarterback strategy. It’s a gamble that might prove beneficial, or at the very least, serve as a transition toward a longer-term solution.
This change marks a pivotal moment for Jones, who, despite his contract and past achievements, finds himself at a crossroads. For the Giants, the hope is that a revamped approach, possibly anchored by a new draft selection, could return the team to the competitive prominence that has eluded them in recent years.
The upcoming games will be crucial for DeVito to make his mark and for the team to evaluate their options before making significant decisions in the draft. One thing is certain: the New York Giants’ quarterback situation will remain a focal point of interest as the season unfolds and the draft approaches.