The New York Giants leave the preseason behind with one of the more interesting quarterback situations in the league. They have four roster-worthy QBs for three roster spots. So, something’s gotta give.
Russell Wilson is the starter until further notice. Jaxson Dart’s preseason may have earned him the backup job. Jameis Winston isn’t going anywhere. That leaves fan favorite Tommy DeVito as the odd man out. Funny enough, DeVito might’ve just had the most impressive camp out of the four. He wrapped up his preseason 30-of-38 for 323 yards and four touchdowns with one interception.
With 53-man rosters due by Tuesday at 4:00 p.m., questions will continue to swirl around what's next for the beloved New Jersey native. The team seemingly has two options: explore the trade market or risk him being picked up by another team on waivers via sending him to the practice squad. That's a brutal reality for a guy who did enough to stay, just not with this crowded quarterback room.
Tommy DeVito will have Giants fans in need of tissue boxes
After he left the field at MetLife Stadium, the 27-year-old received a standing ovation in one of the more goosebumps-induced, feel-good moments in recent memory. When asked how it felt to get that ovation from fans in what might’ve been his last game ever with the Giants, he gave one of the most emotionally charged and heartfelt responses imaginable:
“It means a lot — like you said, the ovation… I’m still from Jersey, you know? If I was in the stands, I’d be cheering for anybody who’s the hometown kid too. It was appreciated just to go out and execute — obviously still things to clean up — but like I said, it felt good getting some time, with two whole quarters, to be able to go out and play and just feel the energy, excitement, and love for the game again.”
I'm not crying, you are. Talk about never losing yourself along the way. He’s a Jersey kid through and through, and while you might be able to take the Cutlets out of Jersey, you’ll never take the Jersey out of the Cutlets.
You could tell the reality of this being his last ride was starting to settle in. The reality is, DeVito did more than enough to convince other teams he's roster-worthy. So, it’s unclear if DeVito would even want to kick it on the practice squad, but his hometown roots and friendship with Dart might be enough to keep him around.
Whatever happens next, he’s already locked up his spot in Giants lore. From undrafted to beloved, Tommy DeVito made his mark. And, we’re gonna miss him.