Previewing the NY Giants’ quarterback position group
The Returning Backup: Alex Tanney
Alex Tanney is returning for what will be his third season with the NY Giants. Tanney joined the team in 2018 when he signed as a free agent. Tanney is the epitome of a journeyman quarterback, playing for 8 teams in 9 years since going undrafted out of Monmouth in 2012.
Tanney has been a steady figure in the Giants’ QB room providing a solid veteran figure that has seen it all through his NFL career. Pat Shurmur was adamant about carrying three quarterbacks on his roster.
Alex Tanney seemingly took on the role of providing coaching and veteran tips to Jones during his rookie season while Eli remained focused on being the starter leading up to the season. He seemed to be a useful and positive resource for Daniel to ask questions and improve his game.
Tanney has only thrown 15 passes his entire NFL career so he shouldn’t be counted on as a reliable option in case Jones gets hurt this season. Tanney will be fighting for a backup position with some newcomers in the room who were brought in to fill similar roles Tanney has completed in recent years.
Joe Judge already stated he isn’t filling roster spots with coach-like players. It’s the responsibility of the actual coaching staff to help coach and develop players, it’s not veteran teammates’ jobs to help younger guys learn the ropes. He will need to get by on his performance on the filed and no longer through his status as a good teammate and veteran presence.
Tanney is 32 and age is not on his side. He won’t be counted on taking any meaningful snaps in 2020 and will need to fend off the competition to lock down a roster spot. Tanney will need an excellent training camp and preseason if he wants to show off his abilities on and off the field to the coaching staff to prove he deserves to stay in New York for 2020.