Giants' reason for starting Tommy DeVito over Drew Lock revealed (and it's pathetic)

The New York Giants finally made the move everyone expected them to make, benching much-maligned starting quarterback Daniel Jones. In a surprising twist of fate, however, third-string quarterback Tommy DeVito will be the starter over Drew Lock, who has often served as the No. 2 quarterback this season.

While DeVito is a fan favorite who may be the more accurate passer, Lock has experience, a stronger arm, and more short-term value in his favor. Switching from Jones to DeVito may not give the Giants the shot in the arm they needed on offense.

The reason for this move may not be 100% based on on-field performance. As shown by Spotrac, the Giants could save a few pennies here and there by keeping Lock glued to the bench in the last few weeks of the season.

Lock can earn $250,000 in repeatable lump sums if he hits certain incentives. These include playing a high enough percentage of snaps, having a high passer rating, and throwing more than 15 touchdown passes. Seemingly unwilling to let Lock cash in, the Giants are stashing him on the bench. That's sad.

Giants reason for starting Tommy DeVito over Drew Lock revealed

If the Giants likely view Lock and DeVito as similar players, the fact there is a non-zero chance they made a financial decision by leaning on DeVito over the former Broncos second-round pick speaks to where the priorities with this front office lie. This is stuff cheap owners of small-market baseball teams do, not the New York Giants.

Lock isn't exactly Peyton Manning under center, so there are some performance reasons not to throw him to the wolves in an offense that barely functions on the best of days. However, it's not a good look to deny a player a chance for some very reachable incentives

While Jones' play absolutely warranted a benching, finances may have been the main reason the plug was finally pulled. If Jones were to get hurt, an eight-figure injury guarantee for next season would trigger. Essentially, the Giants are trying to save as much money as possible in what has become a doomed season.

The Jones contract has ruined the last few years of Giants football, and it seems like they will have to work around the shrapnel from that deal in the coming years. DeVito needs to play the best ball of his career to avoid questions about why he is playing over Lock.