In a surprising move, the New York Giants have decided to bench their starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, in favor of Tommy DeVito. This decision comes amid a challenging season and after a lackluster performance by Jones against the Panthers, where he threw for 190 yards, failed to score a touchdown, and logged two interceptions, culminating in a 50.5 passer rating.
Daniel Jones, who has been a consistent presence for the Giants with 68 regular-season starts and a career record of 24-44-1, was expected to be a cornerstone for the franchise following a substantial $160 million contract that included $82 million guaranteed. However, his recent performances have not lived up to the expectations that such an investment typically demands.
Jones' 2022 Form: A Glimmer of Promise
Interestingly, Jones' 2022 season showcased glimpses of his potential. He achieved a commendable 92.5 passer rating and maintained an impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio of 15 to 5. Jones led the league with the lowest interception rate among qualifying quarterbacks at 1.1%, illustrating his capability to safeguard the ball—an aspect critical for quarterback performance.
His standout moment came during the playoff win against Minnesota, where he completed over 68% of his passes for 301 yards, delivering two touchdowns with no interceptions. This outing highlighted his potential to perform under pressure, offering a glimpse of what Giants fans hoped would be a consistent trend.
The Financial Implications of Moving On
Despite these flashes of brilliance, the Giants are now evaluating their options. Reports suggest that parting ways with Jones could save the organization over $19 million, a significant sum that could be redirected towards other team needs, potentially altering the team’s strategic direction heading into future seasons.
This financial aspect, combined with his inconsistent performances, has sparked conversations within the Giants' management about the future of their quarterback position. The Giants' interest in the No. 3 overall spot in the 2024 NFL Draft suggests they are actively seeking new talent to potentially lead the team.
Rising Stars in College Football
The upcoming draft promises to be rich with promising quarterback talent. Cameron Ward from Miami is on the radar, with a 6.4% big-time throw rate and a solid 67% completion rate. His performance indicates a blend of bold play-making ability and accuracy, both coveted attributes at the professional level.
Colorado’s Sanders presents another intriguing option, boasting an adjusted completion rate of 81.9% along with a favorable big-time throw to turnover-worthy play ratio. His ability to make decisive and effective throws while minimizing turnovers makes him a noteworthy candidate.
Jalen Milroe from Alabama has shown steady improvement in his adjusted completion rate over the past three seasons, indicating his upward trajectory and development potential. Meanwhile, Quinn Ewers from Texas, with experience in the College Football Playoff, brings a résumé of competing at the highest level of college football, presenting yet another compelling option for any franchise in search of a new leader on offense.
The Road Ahead for the Giants
As the Giants navigate this transitional phase, the decision to bench Daniel Jones could signal a larger shift within the organization. Whether Jones remains a part of the Giants' future plans or becomes a key figure in their trade strategy as they look towards the upcoming draft remains an unfolding storyline.
For Giants fans, the current season presents challenges, but it also offers a chance to glimpse the potential recalibration of their team's fortunes. With eyes on future prospects and strategic roster adjustments, the coming months will be pivotal in defining the franchise's trajectory. The decision to bench Jones, while unexpected, may just be the beginning of significant changes ahead.