The New York Giants have made a decisive move this season, opting to bench quarterback Daniel Jones in favor of rookie Tommy DeVito. After 68 regular-season starts and a career record of 24-44-1, Jones appears to have fallen out of favor, at least for the time being. This decision comes on the heels of a lackluster performance against the Panthers, where Jones threw for 190 yards with two interceptions and failed to connect for any touchdowns, culminating in a suboptimal passer rating of 50.5.
Jones, despite his struggles, has been a major financial commitment for the Giants. He was handed a substantial contract worth $160 million, including $82 million guaranteed. This financial backing was largely influenced by a promising 2022 season, where Jones posted a solid 92.5 passer rating and an impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio of 15 to 5. Notably, he led the league with the lowest interception rate among qualifying quarterbacks at just 1.1%, showcasing his ability to protect the ball.
Furthermore, Jones demonstrated his potential in last year's playoff victory against Minnesota. In a stellar performance, he completed over 68% of his passes for 301 yards, throwing two touchdowns and avoiding any interceptions. Such performances highlighted the promise that initially secured him his lucrative deal.
However, the current season has seen a shift in confidence from the Giants' front office. The decision to pursue the No. 3 overall spot in the 2024 NFL Draft indicates the team's strategic pivot towards potential new quarterback talent. Among the prospects grabbing their attention are Cameron Ward from Miami, noted for a 6.4% big-time throw rate and a 67% completion rate, and Colorado's Sanders, who boasts an adjusted completion rate of 81.9% along with a commendable big-time throw to turnover-worthy play ratio.
Jalen Milroe from Alabama has also captured the interest of scouts with a consistent improvement in his adjusted completion rate over the past three seasons. Meanwhile, Quinn Ewers brings credentials from Texas, having already showcased his skills on the big stage in the College Football Playoff.
The financial implications for the Giants are also significant. Should they decide to part ways with Daniel Jones, the team could potentially save over $19 million. This financial flexibility could be instrumental in rebuilding and making strategic acquisitions during the draft and offseason.
The move to bench Jones and evaluate emerging talent underscores a pivotal moment for the Giants. With the 2024 NFL Draft looming, the team's focus oscillates between the implications of their current season and the allure of future prospects. Depending on the path they choose, it will be intriguing to see how these decisions play out in their pursuit of long-term success.