The New York Giants are making a significant change at quarterback, opting to bench Daniel Jones for their upcoming home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his place, Tommy DeVito will take the starting role, with Drew Lock serving as the backup. This decision comes after Jones struggled to find consistency this season, ranking 32nd among 36 qualified quarterbacks in passer rating and 29th in QBR through the first 10 weeks of the NFL season.
Daniel Jones has completed 63.3 percent of his passes for a total of 2,070 yards, alongside eight touchdowns and seven interceptions to his name. His performance has been further undercut by his inability to elevate a Giants offense that currently sits last in the league, averaging only 15.6 points per game. A particularly disappointing moment in the season occurred on November 10, when New York suffered a 20-17 overtime defeat to the Carolina Panthers. During that game, Jones led an impressive drive but also made several critical errors, including two interceptions when the team was in scoring position, prompting speculation about his future as the starting quarterback.
In the face of mounting pressure, Coach Brian Daboll and General Manager Joe Schoen have both hinted at a shift in approach regarding Jones. Following the Panthers game, Daboll's indecisiveness about Jones's future as a starter suggested a pivot was imminent. The shift comes after Jones had previously shown promise, leading the Giants to their first playoff appearance since 2016 and achieving a postseason victory in 2022, which secured him a lucrative four-year contract worth $160 million.
However, the 2023 season has turned into a nightmare for the Giants and Jones. After injuring his neck and subsequently tearing his ACL, Jones struggled in his six starts, throwing six interceptions and only two touchdowns. Despite entering the 2024 season as the starting quarterback, it became increasingly obvious that the organization was exploring other options for their future. The team's selections and overall strategy indicated a potential departure from Jones, particularly after discussions about potentially acquiring other quarterbacks during the offseason.
The signing of Drew Lock added to the uncertainty surrounding Jones's position on the team, as speculation arose that Lock could challenge Jones for the starting role. Though Jones began the year as the designated starter, ongoing struggles prompted the Giants to reassess their situation. Most alarmingly, the Giants' disappointing record and low scoring efficiency have reinforced calls for a quarterback change as they look to rebuild moving forward.
With Jones now benched, the focus shifts to the long-term future of the franchise. Notably, there is no guaranteed money remaining on Jones's contract after the 2024 season; however, a $23 million injury guarantee could be triggered if he fails a physical in March 2025. By benching him now, the Giants reduce the likelihood of that guarantee being activated, which is a strategy that has been employed by other NFL teams facing similar situations.
As the Giants move into the final stretch of what has been a frustrating season, it is clear that the organization will be looking for a fresh start at quarterback come 2025. With Jones's recent performance underscoring the need for change, the future of his career in New York appears tenuous at best.
