The New York Giants’ decision to bench starting quarterback Daniel Jones marks a significant shift for a franchise that had pinned its hopes on the former first-round pick just a season ago.
As the Giants head into their Week 12 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, November 24, Jones will take a backseat, with rookie Tommy DeVito reportedly set to start in his place. This move comes after a turbulent season that has seen Jones struggle to regain his form, raising serious questions about his future in New York.
Jones’ struggles this season have been well-documented, as the 26-year-old quarterback ranks 32nd out of 36 qualified quarterbacks in passer rating and 29th in QBR through 10 weeks. Completing just 63.3% of his passes for 2,070 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions, Jones has been unable to ignite an offense that currently sits last in the league with just 15.6 points per game. Despite contributing 265 rushing yards and two touchdowns, his inability to avoid critical mistakes has sealed his fate as the Giants turn the page on his tenure as their QB1.
The decision to bench Jones comes on the heels of an especially dismal performance in the team’s 20-17 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers on November 10. In that game, Jones threw for only 190 yards and tossed two interceptions, both of which came during critical drives deep in Carolina territory. Although he did manage a rushing touchdown and led a 96-yard scoring drive, his erratic play left much to be desired. His inability to connect with open receivers, including missing a wide-open Malik Nabers in the first quarter and failing to execute a crucial 3rd-and-1 flea flicker in the second quarter, made it clear that his time as the Giants’ starting quarterback could be coming to an end.
The aftermath of the Panthers’ loss provided further clues about Jones’ future. Giants head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen made it apparent that they were no longer fully committed to Jones as the team’s leader under center. At a press conference following the loss, Daboll’s non-committal responses regarding Jones’ status stood in stark contrast to his usual support for the quarterback, signaling that a change might be on the horizon.
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The Decline of Daniel Jones: From Savior to Benched Quarterback
When Jones signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension in the spring of 2023, it appeared that the Giants had found their long-term quarterback. Jones had led the team to its first playoff appearance since 2016, securing a thrilling 31-24 Wild Card win over the Minnesota Vikings. The former Duke standout had demonstrated poise and leadership, turning in a career-best performance in 2022, which made the hefty contract extension seem justified.
However, the 2023 season proved to be a nightmare for Jones, who suffered a neck injury that sidelined him for three games and later a torn ACL that ended his season prematurely. His play in 2023 was disappointing, throwing six interceptions and only two touchdowns in his six starts. Fast forward to 2024, and while the Giants stuck with Jones as their starter, it was clear that the team’s management had been preparing to move on, as evidenced by their actions during the offseason and the midseason Hard Knocks series.
The Giants explored quarterback options in the draft, considering a trade up for North Carolina’s Drake Maye or LSU’s Jayden Daniels. However, New York ultimately stood pat at No. 6 in the draft, selecting wide receiver Malik Nabers instead. Still, the addition of backup quarterback Drew Lock created some murmurs that Lock could challenge Jones for the starting role. But after Lock replaced Jones in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, it became apparent that DeVito, rather than Lock, would be the one given the opportunity to start.
Tommy DeVito to Take the Reins as Giants’ QB1
As the Giants’ season continues to spiral, the team is looking to DeVito to provide a spark. The rookie quarterback, who was signed as an undrafted free agent, has shown flashes of potential during limited action. DeVito, a local product from New Jersey, will now step into the spotlight as the new QB1, replacing Jones for the upcoming game against the Buccaneers. While the Giants’ expectations for DeVito may be tempered given his lack of experience, the move represents a shift toward the future as New York seeks answers at the most important position on the field.
For DeVito, the opportunity to start is a major turning point in his young career. Although he may not have the pedigree of a first-round pick, he now has a chance to prove himself as a viable option for the Giants going forward. His performance over the next few weeks will be crucial, not only for his own career but for the future of the Giants’ quarterback situation.
The Giants’ QB Dilemma: Money and Performance at the Core of the Decision
The timing of Jones’ benching is significant, particularly when considering the financial implications of his contract. Jones’ $160 million deal includes $82 million in guaranteed money at signing, with a total guarantee of $105 million. However, after the 2024 season, there is no guaranteed money remaining on Jones’ deal. The Giants’ decision to bench Jones may be a way to avoid triggering a $23 million injury guarantee for the 2025 season, which could be activated if Jones fails a physical in March. This is a common strategy employed by NFL teams to avoid paying out unnecessary money when a player’s performance no longer justifies the financial commitment.
It’s clear that Jones’ subpar play this season has become the driving force behind the benching, far more so than any financial considerations. As The Athletic’s Dan Duggan pointed out, Jones’ lackluster performance, which includes a 3-13 record in games he started over the past two seasons and 10 touchdowns against 13 interceptions, has made it evident that New York will likely be looking elsewhere at quarterback in 2025.
A New Era for the Giants: What’s Next for Daniel Jones?
With Jones now on the bench, the Giants are left to evaluate their options moving forward. While DeVito may get the first crack at starting duties, the team will likely explore all avenues to improve their quarterback situation in the offseason. The 2025 draft could provide a wealth of potential options, with several high-profile quarterbacks expected to be available, including prospects like Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels, who were previously on the Giants’ radar.
Jones, for his part, is now left to reflect on what could be the end of his tenure with the Giants. A change of scenery may be in his future, but with his injury history and underwhelming performance, it remains to be seen if another team will be willing to take a chance on him. The 2024 season, once filled with promise, has ultimately led to a crossroads for both Jones and the Giants, with the future of both now uncertain.
Giants’ Benching of Daniel Jones Marks End of an Era
As the Giants transition to Tommy DeVito at quarterback, the Daniel Jones era in New York seems to be drawing to a close. Despite a promising 2022 campaign that earned him a lucrative contract extension, Jones’ performance in 2023 and 2024 has left the Giants searching for answers. Whether or not Jones plays again this season may ultimately depend on how DeVito fares in the coming weeks, but the writing appears to be on the wall for the 26-year-old quarterback.
With a bleak 2024 season all but over, the Giants are looking ahead, and their quarterback situation will be one of the most critical decisions the franchise makes in the coming months.
