Giants Bench Daniel Jones! DeVito Named Starter & Major Roster Changes Loom

The New York Giants have officially entered a new chapter in their turbulent 2024 season. Head coach Brian Daboll announced a monumental shift in the quarterback position, benching Daniel Jones in favor of Tommy DeVito. This decision, confirmed by NFL insider Ian Rapoport, comes as the Giants struggle at 2-8 and look to retool for the future. Daboll stated that the move was made after thorough evaluation and praised DeVito for the spark he showed last year. 

Financial implications aside, this decision marks a significant pivot for the Giants. Daboll also hinted at further roster evaluations, suggesting that underperforming players could see reduced roles as the team focuses on assessing talent for 2025 and beyond. While ownership reportedly supports Daboll for now, insiders like Jordan Schultz report that the next seven games are critical for the head coach. Daboll’s decision to start DeVito could be a last-ditch effort to reignite the offense and prove his worth to ownership, especially amid increasing speculation about his future with the team.  
Roster problems extend far beyond the quarterback position. Deonte Banks, who was expected to solidify the secondary, has struggled in his second year, leaving the Giants in desperate need of a true CB1. On the defensive line, Dexter Lawrence continues to dominate as one of the league’s premier nose tackles, but the rest of the unit has underwhelmed, particularly in run defense. The offensive line, once a persistent weakness, still faces questions, especially with free agent Greg Van Roten potentially departing. Wide receiver and tight end positions remain areas of concern, with players like Darius Slayton and Chris Manhertz also set to hit free agency.  
Looking to the future, the Giants are poised to make bold moves in free agency and the draft. Cutting Daniel Jones and others could free up over $60 million in cap space, allowing the team to pursue veteran quarterbacks to bridge the gap until a rookie is ready to start. Free-agent targets may include Taylor Heinicke, Sam Darnold, or even Justin Fields, depending on cost and availability. In the draft, projections suggest Miami QB Cam Ward could be the team’s top pick. Other potential draftees include Kenneth Grant, a defensive tackle with elite run-stopping skills, and Quincy Riley, a cornerback with developmental upside.  
Free agency and the draft are not the only areas of focus. Key re-signings like WR Darius Slayton, OL Greg Van Roten, and EDGE Azeez Ojulari are vital to maintaining continuity and addressing depth concerns. Meanwhile, veterans like QB Drew Lock and CB Adoree Jackson are unlikely to return, further emphasizing the need for strategic acquisitions to stabilize the roster.  
Despite the team's struggles, ownership reportedly values continuity, with Adam Schefter suggesting that Daboll and Schoen are likely safe for now. However, this commitment to stability is contingent on the team’s performance over the next seven games. Giants fans will watch closely as the team navigates this critical stretch, knowing that their franchise’s direction hangs in the balance.  
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