The New York Giants have decided to bench quarterback Daniel Jones, possibly marking the end of his time as the team’s starter. Although general manager Joe Schoen stated that the decision was a “football decision,” many speculate that the Giants are avoiding Jones’ $23 million injury guarantee in his contract. Instead of turning to Drew Lock as Jones’ replacement, the Giants have chosen Tommy DeVito to lead the team. DeVito, an undrafted rookie who won two of his first three starts, has captured the attention of Giants fans.
While DeVito may bring excitement to the fanbase, the decision to start him over Lock could be tied to contract incentives. Lock’s deal with the Giants includes bonuses for playing time, passing performance, and team success. He earns $250,000 for reaching certain snap percentages, a specific passer rating, completion rate, or other milestones. Additionally, team incentives offer Lock a significant bonus if he plays a certain percentage of snaps and the Giants make the playoffs.
Currently, the Giants are positioned to select fifth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. This presents a prime opportunity for DeVito to showcase his skills, but many believe the team will target a top quarterback in the upcoming draft. The decision to start DeVito over Lock not only offers the rookie a chance to prove himself but also allows the Giants to evaluate their future quarterback options. With uncertainties surrounding the quarterback position, the Giants are looking towards the future and making strategic decisions based on both performance and financial considerations.