Giants tab DeVito as starting QB, Jones demoted

Tommy DeVito has been named the starting quarterback for the New York Giants’ upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium.

“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,” said head coach Brian Daboll.

This quarterback change comes with seven games left in the Giants’ season. While the team’s 2-8 record and Daniel Jones’ struggles influenced the decision, financial considerations also played a role. Jones’ contract includes a $23 million injury guarantee for 2025, which becomes fully guaranteed if he’s unable to pass a physical in the offseason.

The Giants aren’t the first team to bench a quarterback to avoid triggering a significant injury guarantee. Last season, the Denver Broncos sat Russell Wilson to protect a $37 million guarantee, and the Las Vegas Raiders did the same with Jimmy Garoppolo ($11.25 million).

Daboll hinted at a potential change after the Giants’ Week 10 loss to the Carolina Panthers, stating the team would “evaluate everything” during the bye week. This marked a shift from earlier in the season, when he consistently backed Jones despite poor performances.

Signs of a potential move had been building. The Giants explored drafting a quarterback earlier this year and benched Jones during a lopsided Week 7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

DeVito, who stepped up as a surprise starter last year, winning three straight games after injuries sidelined Jones and Tyrod Taylor, has shown consistent improvement, according to Daboll. “I have confidence in Drew [Lock] as well, but I felt this was the right move with Tommy,” he said.

Jones, 27, has struggled since signing a four-year, $160 million contract in 2023 following a career-best season in 2022. Over his past 16 starts, the Giants have gone 3-13, with Jones throwing just 10 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. Recent performances have been particularly underwhelming, including two costly interceptions in an overtime loss to Carolina and a missed opportunity on a flea-flicker that visibly frustrated Daboll.

The Giants’ offensive struggles extend beyond Jones. Currently ranked last in the NFL in scoring at 15.6 points per game, the team is on track for a high draft pick, likely aimed at selecting a quarterback.

The decision to move on from Jones is also a reflection on Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, who committed to the quarterback after his breakout 2022 season. That year, Jones threw 15 touchdowns with only six interceptions, finishing sixth in QBR, and led the Giants to a playoff victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

However, injuries and a weak offensive line have hindered Jones’ ability to replicate that success. He missed time in 2023 due to a neck injury and a torn ACL.