Giants will bench QB Daniel Jones and start Tommy DeVito against Bucs

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Daniel Jones’ tenure as the New York Giants’ starting quarterback is over.

The Giants benched the struggling 27-year-old on Monday, and coach Brian Daboll plans to start fan favorite Tommy DeVito this week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an attempt to end a five-game losing streak.

Not only was Jones benched, Daboll said he would be the No. 3 quarterback for the final seven games, while fellow veteran Drew Lock would remain the backup.

“Obviously we are not playing the way any of us want to play and that goes for all of us,” Daboll said. “But I felt like this was a decision we had to make here to set things in motion, to change things, and we went back on the road with Tommy.”

Daboll said he spoke with the quarterbacks on Monday but wouldn’t reveal what was said, although Jones said he wanted to remain the starter. Daboll declined to comment on his discussions with co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch.

As the Giants (2-8) head towards their second straight losing season, they will have decisions to make.

One of them, obviously, will be Jones’ future — he has two years and $80 million left on his contract — along with Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, who was hired in 2022.

The Giants are trying to avoid injury by not playing Jones for the rest of the season. If he gets injured and can’t play at the start of next season, it will trigger a $23 million guarantee in his contract.

Daboll said Jones, who was selected with the 6th pick in the 2019 draft, will remain with the team for the rest of the season.

Derek Carr left the Las Vegas Raiders late last season after being benched for the final two games.

“We spoke just before today’s meeting,” Daboll said, referring to Jones. “It’s never easy. I have a lot of respect for how he does his job and how Drew does it. These are not easy conversations.”

Daboll had hinted there could be a change after the Giants entered their bye week following an overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers (3-7) in Germany on Nov. 10. The coaching staff reviewed the film throughout the week, discussed the situation, and came to a decision. to change things.

Daboll said in late evaluation that other players could get more playing time.

Jones has eight touchdowns and seven interceptions this season. He is 3-13 in his last 16 games, and New York ranks last in the league in terms of scoring with an average of 15.6 points per game.

Jones signed a four-year, $160 million contract after leading the Giants to a surprising playoff performance in Daboll’s first season in 2022. He saw limited action last season due to a neck injury and later an anterior cruciate ligament tear. He played poorly behind the offensive line in 2023 and has been inconsistent this season.

Daboll, who was hired after developing Josh Allen in Buffalo, was never able to get Jones back to his 2022 form. That season, Jones threw 15 touchdown passes, seven rushing TDs, five interceptions and hit 67% of his passes. Jones has 70 touchdowns and 47 interceptions in his career.

“It’s not just about Daniel, you know that’s my responsibility, it’s all about the offensive performance,” Daboll said. “So making that decision once again to give Tommy another opportunity, he did some good things while he was there and played as a rookie. I know he’s eager for that opportunity.”

DeVito was listed as the third quarterback in every game this season but moved ahead of Lock, largely because the New Jersey product nicknamed “Tommy Cutlets” went 3-3 as a rookie free agent out of Illinois following injuries to Jones and reserve Tyrod Taylor. was to happen. Last season.

Daboll said DeVito took more than 700 snaps as a starter during the preseason and last year. He added that he trained well this season and has more knowledge of the offense in his second season.

“We will do everything to prepare him,” Daboll said.

The Giants will have a high draft pick and likely take a quarterback. The 2025 draft is not thought to be rich in point guards.

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