In a move that signals significant changes for the New York Giants, quarterback Daniel Jones has been benched, paving the way for rookie Tommy DeVito to take over the starting position. The decision comes amidst a challenging season for the Giants, who find themselves struggling offensively, ranking at the bottom of the NFL in both completions of 20 or more yards and red zone efficiency. These struggles have prompted the team's leadership to reevaluate their quarterback situation.
Daniel Jones, who was handed a strategic two-year contract by the Giants, has been a topic of discussion in New York and around the league. Despite suffering an ACL tear in 2023, Jones remains a sophisticated player with undeniable potential. An unnamed source noted, "When you watch that, you can see why the Giants gave him six years. He works hard. Classy. Has the traits. 6-5 and can run. Everybody keeps thinking they can unlock him. But three head coaches and multiple coordinators later, maybe you have to look in the mirror."
Jones's Contract and Future Prospects
Jones's current contract includes over $11 million in guaranteed salary for the remainder of the season. However, as stipulated in the contract, he may hit free agency as soon as Monday afternoon. This potential move has caught the attention of teams like the Chargers, Broncos, Cardinals, Vikings, Buffalo Bills, and Detroit Lions, who might be interested in acquiring Jones, albeit with the responsibility of taking on a prorated portion of his $1.1 million veteran minimum salary.
Throughout his time with the Giants, Jones has been a figure of both promise and frustration. Another source succinctly put it, "He got a No. 1 receiver. Offensive line was good when Andrew Thomas was in there. Maybe [Jones] is who he is." Despite these mixed reviews, it is clear that Daniel Jones is driven by a love for the game, with those close to him describing him as a "worker bee" who "loves activity" and will "want to play."
The Giants' Strategic Adjustments
General Manager Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll, who is expected to stay with the team until at least 2025, face the daunting task of charting a new course for the Giants. Part of this involves scouting college quarterbacks, including promising talents like Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward, in a bid to fortify the team’s future. Meanwhile, DeVito’s transition into the starting quarterback role marks a bold step in this strategic overhaul.
In a parallel maneuver, the Giants have been keen on retaining key players, as evidenced earlier this year when they offered running back Saquon Barkley a long-term deal worth $13 million annually. Barkley’s refusal of the offer led the organization to apply the franchise tag, further complicating their roster dynamics.
A Team in Transition
As the Giants embark on this period of transition, it’s clear that they are focused on rebuilding and restructuring. The decision to bench Jones is not solely a reflection of his performance but rather a strategic pivot aimed at long-term success. The challenge will be to balance short-term growing pains with the long-term vision that Schoen and Daboll have for the team.
While the Giants are currently at a crossroads, these moves signal a proactive approach to build a more cohesive and competitive team. With DeVito at the helm and the possibility of adding new talent from the collegiate ranks, the Giants are setting the stage for a new era. This could mean more changes are on the horizon, as they continue to explore all their options to rejuvenate a franchise that has struggled to find its footing in recent seasons.