The New York Giants have officially moved on from Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback, a decision that felt inevitable after his disappointing season. While Jones’ benching isn’t exactly a shocking development, the team’s choice to turn to backup Tommy DeVito instead of Drew Lock is.
For weeks, Lock was seen as the clear choice to step in if Jones were benched. With starting experience and a stronger resume, Lock seemed like the logical option to give the Giants a chance to compete down the stretch. Instead, head coach Brian Daboll announced that DeVito, the undrafted second-year quarterback, would take over.
The move appears less about football decisions and more about financial and draft implications.
The Giants have every reason to protect their future. Jones’ $23 million injury guarantee for 2025 loomed large in this decision, but turning to DeVito over Lock feels more calculated. Lock’s experience could lead to wins that the 2-8 Giants simply can’t afford if they want to secure a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. By rolling with DeVito, a fan-favorite but unproven talent, the Giants all but ensure that this season will end with a high draft position and a clean break from the Jones era.
Daboll's attempts to justify the decision as being "based on watching tape" have been unconvincing. It's difficult to accept that this move was solely performance-based, especially when numerous other factors suggest a strategic tanking approach. As the team heads toward yet another losing season, Daboll's explanation seems increasingly implausible.
NY Giants' Brian Daboll couldn't sound less convincing if he tried
In what was perhaps the most uninspiring press conference of his tenure, Brian Daboll announced that Tommy DeVito would replace Daniel Jones as the Giants’ starting quarterback. The tone of the announcement was as flat as the team’s season has been, and the reasoning behind the decision was even harder to believe.
Brian Daboll explains the Giants' decision-making in benching Daniel Jones pic.twitter.com/GQCO5gviqN
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) November 18, 2024
“You know, after evaluating a bunch of things, and looking at a lot of tape, and being around Tommy last year where he created a little bit of a spark for us—that’s the reason why we’re going with Tommy,” Daboll said.
The idea that this move is based purely on “watching tape” feels laughable.
If Daboll had truly been watching the film, he would have seen Jones’ season-long struggles with turnovers and missed opportunities. What makes this choice bizarre isn’t the benching itself, but the team’s decision to turn to DeVito over the more experienced Drew Lock.
DeVito did show flashes of promise during his six starts last season, but labeling him a “spark” is generous. Lock, on the other hand, has the skills and experience to give the Giants a better chance to win, which is exactly why he’s not starting.
DeVito isn’t being handed the reins because the team believes he’s the best option; he’s starting because he’s the safest bet for the Giants to continue losing.
It’s clear this decision is about more than football. The Giants are protecting their draft position and ensuring that they move on cleanly from Jones and his $23 million injury guarantee. Daboll’s monotone delivery and vague explanation couldn’t mask the reality: this is a calculated move to tank without admitting it outright. Fans can see right through it, and Daboll’s lackluster attempt to spin the decision only makes it more obvious.