In a bold move, the New York Giants have decided to bench their previously starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, in favor of the relatively untested Tommy DeVito. This decision comes on the heels of a series of underwhelming performances from Jones, whose latest outing against the Carolina Panthers included a meager 190 passing yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions, earning him a passer rating of just 50.5.
Jones, a prominent figure for the Giants with 68 regular-season starts, has not lived up to expectations this season. His career record stands at 24-44-1, falling short of the return on investment anticipated when he was handed a lucrative $160 million contract, of which $82 million is guaranteed. Despite these figures, the Giants could choose a new quarterback direction, saving them over $19 million by releasing Jones.
Despite the recent dip in performance, Jones has not always underwhelmed in his NFL career. Notably, during the 2022 regular season, he achieved a commendable quarterback rating of 92.5 and boasted a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 15 to 5. Impressively, Jones led the league with the lowest interception rate among qualifying quarterbacks at 1.1% that year. His playoff performance against Minnesota further showcased his potential as he completed over 68% of his passes for 301 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, leading the Giants to victory.
The Giants' decision is clearly part of a broader strategy to revitalize the team's prospects. With their eyes on the No. 3 overall spot in the 2024 NFL Draft, they are assessing available talent to find a quarterback who can reshape their future.
Potential Draft Prospects
The 2024 draft class presents several intriguing options across college football. Cameron Ward from Miami, for instance, has turned heads with his big-time throw rate of 6.4%, accompanied by a completion rate of 67%. His performance on the field suggests a high ceiling, which would be appealing for any team looking to strengthen its quarterback position.
Meanwhile, Colorado's Sanders is making waves with an adjusted completion rate of 81.9%, paired with a remarkable big-time throw to turnover-worthy play ratio. Sanders' precision and decision-making abilities could make him a valuable addition to any NFL franchise eyeing long-term success.
Alabama's Jalen Milroe has shown continuous improvement, particularly with his increased adjusted completion rate over the past three seasons. Such development trajectory might make him a promising option for teams willing to invest in cultivating young talent.
Similarly, Quinn Ewers from Texas comes with the experience of competing in the College Football Playoffs, offering the kind of big-game experience desirable at the professional level.
The quarterback position remains one of the most critical and scrutinized in football, and the Giants’ checkered recent history reflects the difficulties of finding and sustaining success at that position. As the 2024 draft approaches, the team will have to carefully consider its next steps, weighing the benefits of grooming a young talent versus relying on a more seasoned player like Jones, who has shown he can perform at a high level, albeit inconsistently.
For now, all eyes are on Tommy DeVito as he takes on the challenge of leading the Giants forward. This decision underscores the franchise's willingness to pivot, seeking a formula that might bring them back to the forefront of competitive football. Giants fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if DeVito can capitalize on this opportunity and whether the Giants' draft strategy will usher in a new era of success. As the season unfolds, these decisions will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the Giants' season and possibly, their long-term future.