Amidst a turbulent season, the New York Giants are once again making headlines, this time with a significant shift at the quarterback position. Daniel Jones, the team's former first-round pick, has been benched, with Tommy DeVito stepping into the starting role. This decision comes as the Giants continue to struggle offensively, ranking at the bottom of the NFL in both long completions and red zone efficiency.
Having signed a strategic two-year deal, Daniel Jones's future with the Giants has been under scrutiny. Despite an ACL tear in 2023, which sidelined him for part of the season, Jones still carries over $11 million in guaranteed salary. With contract stipulations allowing for potential free agency as early as Monday afternoon, interest in the quarterback from other teams appears to be growing. The Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills, and Detroit Lions have emerged as potential suitors, each potentially keen to acquire Jones for a prorated portion of the $1.1 million veteran minimum salary.
Changing Dynamics in New York
The Giants' offense has struggled, evidenced by their mere 19 plays of 20 or more yards and a league-low red zone touchdown rate of 39.3%. As such, the team’s decision to bench Jones reflects a broader strategy to revitalize a stagnating attack. Tommy DeVito has now seized the starting quarterback reins, promising a new chapter for the Giants. This change, coupled with the team’s scouting of college quarterbacks like Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward, suggests that the Giants are considering all options to rejuvenate their performance.
Despite the recent setbacks and questions over his play, Daniel Jones continues to be appreciated for his work ethic and athletic traits. An unnamed source observes, "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." Yet, with these qualities, the persistence of questions around his ceiling as a quarterback remains. "He got a No. 1 receiver. Offensive line was good when Andrew Thomas was in there. Maybe [Jones] is who he is," suggests another source.
A Broader Context
Beyond the quarterback situation, the Giants organization is also confronting challenges in player management, notably with their star running back Saquon Barkley. The franchise tagged Bartley after he declined a long-term deal valued at $13 million annually earlier this year, demonstrating the complexities of balancing talent retention with economic realities in the NFL.
While the personnel on the field faces changes, the front office maintains some stability. General Manager Joe Schoen, despite the team’s performance woes, is expected to continue his tenure with the Giants. Similarly, head coach Brian Daboll is anticipated to remain until at least 2025, highlighting the Giants' confidence in their leadership off the field.
Jones’s intrinsic drive and commitment to the game are not in doubt. A source familiar with his approach notes, "He's a worker bee. He loves activity. He will want to play." As the NFL landscape continues to evolve with every season, the narrative surrounding Daniel Jones and the Giants will inevitably continue to attract attention.
For now, both team and player stand at a pivotal juncture. With the potential for Jones to explore options elsewhere, and the Giants' ambitions to revamp their roster for competitive success, the months ahead promise intrigue and transformation. Through all the ups and downs of professional football, New York fans know all too well that the only certainty is change. How the Giants adapt to these changes, however, remains to be seen.