The New York Giants are at a crossroads, a familiar crossroad that has fans and analysts alike buzzing across the NFL. Recent developments have seen the Giants make a bold decision to bench their starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, in favor of Tommy DeVito. This move comes amidst a season underscored by inconsistency and sporadic flashes of brilliance from the quarterback position.
Daniel Jones, who entered the league amid much fanfare, has been the centerpiece of New York's offense, starting 68 regular-season games with a record of 24 wins, 44 losses, and one tie. Yet, his recent performance has left much to be desired. A stark example of this was his outing against the Carolina Panthers, where Jones amassed a mere 190 yards, threw two interceptions, and failed to score a touchdown, resulting in a passer rating of just 50.5. It's this underwhelming performance among others, that seems to have been the tipping point for the Giants.
Despite being awarded a lucrative $160 million contract, of which $82 million is guaranteed, Jones' trajectory has been a rollercoaster. In 2022, he exhibited a promising form, posting a 92.5 passer rating and maintaining a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 15 to 5. Impressively, he led the league with the lowest interception rate among qualifying quarterbacks at 1.1%. His playoff performance against Minnesota showed his potential, completing over 68% of his passes for 301 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. However, inconsistency remains the overarching narrative of his career.
With Jones benched, the Giants are clearly looking toward their future options, both in-house and in the looming 2024 NFL Draft. Should the Giants decide to part ways with Jones, they could save over $19 million, a financial incentive that might facilitate their pursuit of a new cornerstone quarterback.
The 2024 Draft class presents intriguing options. The Giants are reportedly eyeing the No. 3 overall spot, a position that could allow them to select a standout prospect. Among the enticing quarterbacks in the draft conversation is Cameron Ward from Miami, known for his 6.4% big-time throw rate paired with a 67% completion rate. Then there's Colorado's Sanders, whose eye-catching adjusted completion rate of 81.9% and an impressive ratio of big-time throws to turnover-worthy plays have caught the attention of many scouts.
Another name making waves is Jalen Milroe from Alabama. Over the past three years, Milroe has shown a steady increase in his adjusted completion rate, signaling a maturing talent ready for the next level. Quinn Ewers from Texas, having already competed in the College Football Playoff, brings a proven track record at the collegiate level.
For the Giants, these draft prospects symbolize hope. However, the transition to a new quarterback, whether it’s Tommy DeVito in the short term or a rookie from the draft in the future, won't be without challenges. The seasoned vet in the locker room or the fresh face from college—they each bring their own potential and uncertainty.
The Giants’ decision to bench Jones is undeniably a pivotal moment, a statement that they're willing to explore new paths in pursuit of greatness. It's a gamble, but this is a franchise that understands the necessity of risk in the pursuit of reward. With several promising quarterbacks on the horizon and financial maneuverability bringing flexibility, the Giants' future may very well hinge on these calculated moves.