The New York Giants officially benched Daniel Jones coming out of their bye week, a move that surprised no one but sent a clear message about the team’s direction. After a disastrous 2-8 start, Jones’ underwhelming play and mounting turnovers forced the Giants to pull the plug on his tenure as their starter.
Rather than turning to veteran Drew Lock, a more logical choice if the Giants wanted to win games, they handed the reins to Tommy DeVito.
This wasn’t about DeVito’s potential to lead the team or prove himself as the quarterback of the future. It was about one thing: ensuring the Daniel Jones era ended and putting the team in a position to secure a top draft pick in 2025.
NY Giants starting Tommy DeVito for better draft pick
Let’s be honest, DeVito is not the quarterback who gives the Giants the best chance to win. That would be Lock, a former second-round pick with experience and a better overall skill set. But starting Lock would have risked the Giants stumbling into a few wins, jeopardizing their position in the upcoming draft.
Sources: The New York Giants are expected to replace Daniel Jones with Tommy DeVito as their new starting quarterback. pic.twitter.com/pVLVWVNDBY
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 18, 2024
DeVito’s six starts last season won fans over with his scrappy play, but his numbers told the real story: a mediocre 1,101 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions with a 64% completion rate. Solid for a rookie, but far from franchise quarterback material. Choosing DeVito now is not about evaluating his potential or building toward a winning culture. It’s a calculated move to steer the Giants closer to the top of the draft order.
The decision also serves another purpose: officially closing the book on Daniel Jones. After six inconsistent seasons, the Giants are moving on from their former sixth-overall pick. With his $23 million injury guarantee looming for 2025, benching Jones protects the team’s financial flexibility while acknowledging what fans have known for years: Jones is not the answer.
By starting DeVito, the Giants are playing for the future.
With a loaded 2025 quarterback draft class featuring Shedeur Sanders, Quinn Ewers, and Jalen Milroe, this strategy positions New York to land its next franchise quarterback. Add in the likelihood of a new head coach and potentially a new general manager, and it’s clear the Giants are bracing for a complete rebuild.
This season’s pain might be setting the stage for long-term gain. While fans endure a tough few months, the DeVito-led tank job could secure the top pick and a brighter future for Big Blue. For now, the Giants are embracing the chaos, knowing it’s the only way to right the ship.