The New York Giants have made a significant change to their quarterback lineup, benching Daniel Jones in favor of Tommy DeVito. This decision comes amid a series of underwhelming performances from Jones, which have cast doubt on the Giants' long-term plans for him.
Jones' tenure with the Giants has been a mixed bag. Over his career, he has started 68 regular-season games, amassing a record of 24-44-1. Despite showing flashes of potential, consistency has eluded Jones, as epitomized by his recent performance against the Carolina Panthers. In that game, Jones threw for 190 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions, resulting in a disappointing passer rating of 50.5.
Adding to the intrigue around the Giants' recent decision is the hefty contract that Jones carries. Signed for $160 million, including $82 million guaranteed, the financial commitment the Giants have made is substantial. However, with the team's current struggles, there are growing murmurs about the potential financial benefits of moving on. The Giants could potentially save over $19 million by parting ways with Jones, a fact that could weigh heavily in their future planning.
Jones’ previous season, however, presented a more promising picture. During the 2022 regular season, he achieved a 92.5 passer rating and maintained an impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio of 15 to 5. Notably, Jones led the league with the lowest interception rate among qualifying quarterbacks at just 1.1%. This performance was further bolstered by his standout playoff game against Minnesota, where he completed over 68% of his passes for 301 yards and secured two touchdowns without any interceptions.
Yet, as the Giants reassess their strategies, their sights have turned towards the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. Securing the No. 3 overall spot could offer a pathway to revitalizing their quarterback position. Several promising quarterbacks could be within their reach, providing much-needed competition and potential for roster improvement.
Scouting Future Talent
The Giants are reportedly eyeing a number of collegiate prospects who could inject new energy into the team. Among them is Cameron Ward from Miami, who boasts a 6.4% big-time throw rate and a completion rate of 67%. His potential could offer the Giants a dynamic playmaker under center.
Another standout is Colorado's Sanders, who impresses with an adjusted completion rate of 81.9%, coupled with a remarkable big-time throw to turnover-worthy play ratio. His precision and decision-making could make him a coveted asset for any franchise looking to bolster their quarterback depth.
Jalen Milroe from Alabama is another name on the rise, showing significant improvements in his adjusted completion rate over the past three seasons. His upward trajectory signals a player who might be hitting his stride at just the right moment.
Finally, Quinn Ewers from Texas brings experience from competing at the highest level, having participated in the College Football Playoff. His exposure to top-tier competition makes him a potential candidate for the Giants as they look to rebuild.
As the Giants navigate these turbulent waters, the path they choose in the coming months will undoubtedly shape their trajectory for years to come. Whether Jones remains in their plans or they pivot to a new direction with an emerging talent, the stakes have never been higher for one of the NFL's storied franchises.