In a significant shake-up for the New York Giants, the franchise has decided to bench long-time starter Daniel Jones in favor of backup quarterback Tommy DeVito. This decision follows a period of tumultuous performance from Jones, whose tenure with the team has seen a mixture of potential and pitfalls.
Over his 68 regular-season starts, Jones has amassed a career record of 24 wins, 44 losses, and one tie—a statistic that has undoubtedly contributed to the Giants' current reevaluation of their quarterback strategy. Despite being awarded a substantial contract worth $160 million, with $82 million guaranteed, Jones has struggled to consistently deliver the performances expected of a franchise quarterback. His recent outing against the Carolina Panthers was emblematic of his struggles, with Jones throwing for 190 yards, failing to score a touchdown, and being responsible for two interceptions. This culminated in a dismal passer rating of 50.5.
However, it's worth noting that Jones has, at times, demonstrated the capability and poise expected at the NFL level. In the 2022 regular season, he achieved a quarterback rating of 92.5, boasting an impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio of 15-to-5. Notably, he led all qualifying quarterbacks with the lowest interception rate at just 1.1%, showcasing his ability to protect the football. Jones' playoff performance against the Minnesota Vikings further highlighted his potential, as he completed over 68% of his passes for 301 yards and two touchdowns without conceding an interception.
The shift away from Jones indicates the Giants are looking towards the future, potentially considering rebuilding their quarterback position during the 2024 NFL Draft. The team is reportedly interested in securing the No. 3 overall spot, a position that could yield a promising new talent to invigorate their roster.
Prospective 2024 Draft Picks
This draft class is awash with enticing quarterback prospects, each bringing a unique skill set to the table. Cameron Ward from Miami boasts a big-time throw rate of 6.4% along with a completion rate of 67%, factors that make him an attractive option for quarterback-hungry teams. Meanwhile, Colorado’s Sanders shines with an adjusted completion rate of 81.9% and an impressive ratio of big-time throws to turnover-worthy plays, suggesting a high ceiling for development.
Alabama’s Jalen Milroe is another quarterback on the rise, with his adjusted completion rate improving steadily over the past three seasons. Then there's Quinn Ewers from Texas, whose experience in the College Football Playoff underscores his ability to perform on the biggest stages in college football.
The Financial Implications
Beyond on-field performance, the Giants' decision to move on from Jones might very well be influenced by economic considerations. By parting ways with Jones, the franchise stands to save over $19 million, providing them with additional cap space to bolster their roster through free agency or trades.
For the Giants, the path forward will not only involve scouting and potentially drafting a new quarterback but also navigating financial constraints to assemble a more competitive team. While Daniel Jones has shown flashes of brilliance and has admirably led when possible, the broader aim of building a sustainable winning culture might call for a different approach, signaling a new chapter for the franchise.
As the Giants look to revive their fortunes, all eyes will be on their front office and coaching staff to see how they navigate these next crucial steps. With fans eager for success, how and who they choose to lead them into the future will undoubtedly define the team’s trajectory for years to come.