The New York Giants have made a significant shift at the quarterback position, benching Daniel Jones in favor of Tommy DeVito. This decision, which many anticipated, likely signals the end of Jones’ tenure with the team. With the Giants struggling at 2-8, head coach Brian Daboll opted to give one of the backup quarterbacks a chance to lead the offense, making a move that reflects both performance issues and financial considerations.
Why the Change? Performance and Financial Factors
While Jones’ struggles on the field have been evident, the decision to bench him isn’t solely based on his performance. A crucial clause in his contract incentivized the Giants to make this move. With the season spiraling downward, the team is looking to minimize potential financial repercussions, especially if Jones were to suffer an injury while playing.
In fact, even if DeVito were to get injured, it’s hard to envision Jones stepping back onto the field in a Giants uniform. The organization seems to be preparing for a future without him, and this benching is just one step in that direction.
Understanding Daniel Jones’ Contract
Jones signed a lucrative four-year, $160 million contract after a standout 2022 season. At first glance, the deal seems impressive, but the structure of the contract reveals a different story. The Giants can part ways with Jones after just two seasons without incurring excessive penalties. If they release him this offseason, they face either a $22.2 million dead cap hit in 2025 or a more manageable $11.1 million dead cap hit over the next two seasons if they designate him for a post-June 1 release. This could save the team over $19 million.
However, the stakes are higher if Jones suffers a significant injury. If he can’t pass a physical at the start of the new league year, he would be guaranteed $23 million. This means that if he were to get hurt late in the season, the Giants could be looking at a staggering $45.2 million dead cap charge if they decided to release him. This financial burden is something the Giants are keen to avoid.
Injury Guarantees: A Risky Situation
Jones’ injury guarantee complicates the situation further. Each week he plays poses a risk for the Giants. If they were to release him while he was injured, the financial implications would be severe. By benching him now, the Giants are taking proactive steps to protect their financial interests and ensure they can cut ties with him more easily in the spring.
It’s a tough pill to swallow for Giants fans, but the reality is clear: Jones’ time in New York is likely over. Coach Daboll confirmed that Jones will be inactive moving forward, serving as the team’s emergency No. 3 quarterback. This indicates that the organization is fully committed to moving on from the former first-round pick.
Jones’ Struggles in 2024
The 2024 season has been challenging for Jones. Despite expectations of an improved offense with new weapons like Malik Nabers, his performance has faltered. Here’s a closer look at his stats this season:
| Starts | Record | Comp. | Yards | TD | INT | Passer rating |
| 10 | 2-8 | 63.3% | 2,070 | 8 | 7 | 79.4 |
Jones has thrown more interceptions than he did in his strong 2022 season and holds a disappointing record of 3-13 as a starter since the beginning of 2023. His numbers are lagging behind his previous seasons, with lower touchdown rates and passer ratings that reflect a significant decline in performance.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Giants?
With Tommy DeVito now at the helm, the Giants are looking to the future. They passed over Drew Lock, another option, which indicates their confidence in DeVito to lead the team for the remainder of the season. The Giants are not officially eliminated from playoff contention, but with their current record, the chances of a turnaround seem slim.
The decision to bench Jones mirrors similar situations faced by other teams in the league, like the Denver Broncos with Russell Wilson. Both teams had to weigh the risks of injury guarantees against the potential benefits of giving younger quarterbacks a chance to shine.
As the Giants navigate this transition, fans are left wondering what the future holds for the franchise. Will they draft a new quarterback in the upcoming draft? Or will they explore free agency for a fresh start? One thing is for sure: the Giants are at a crossroads, and the decisions made in the coming months will shape the team’s future for years to come.
