Tommy DeVito might not be long for New York. That was already the feeling heading into camp, but it’s starting to feel more like a reality than a debate. After his strong outing against the Bills on Saturday, teams around the league took notice, and the Titans might be the first to pick up the phone.
Tennessee just signed journeyman Trevor Siemian to help stabilize their quarterback room after Tim Boyle flopped in their preseason opener. The move doesn’t completely erase the need for another option, though, especially not if the team has serious doubts about Brandon Allen backing up first-overall pick Cam Ward. DeVito isn’t exactly a world-beater, but he’s better than that duo right now.
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The Titans were recently linked to Tommy Cutlets in an article by Jeremy Brener of SI, who suggested New York should consider flipping him while there’s still time. It’s not a bad idea. With Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and Jaxson Dart not going anywhere, DeVito would either have to beat out Winston or the team would have to carry four QBs. And that’s just not going to happen.
Tommy DeVito trade makes more sense than fans might think
DeVito landing on the practice squad feels like the likeliest outcome, but that’s where things get dicey. Any team can grab him once he’s there, and if that’s the route they take, they could lose him for nothing. For a guy with starting experience, who won over a fanbase, and just looked rock-solid in live action, that would be a tough pill to swallow.
At the very least, New York should see what it could get for the 27-year-old. It’s not like they’d get a Day 2 pick for him, but a late-rounder or a young player who could push for a roster spot would definitely be enough to justify making a deal. That's just good business, especially when his path to the roster is this crowded.
Saturday's preseason version of DeVito will have suitors if he’s made available, whether it’s Tennessee or someone else.
The Titans aren’t exactly flush with quarterback depth, even after signing Siemian. They’re still one injury away from a complete meltdown. If they believe in Ward as their future but want insurance behind him that won’t torpedo the offense, DeVito’s a cheap and reasonable fallback.
Big Blue doesn’t have to force anything, but if a team comes calling, there’s no harm in tickling some fancy.
It’s not often you can turn a UDFA into a quality asset. But DeVito’s built up enough goodwill and reps over the years to have some value. And if this team is going to lose him anyway, they might as well get something back. Practice squad or not, DeVito’s future probably isn’t in New York. Might as well try.