3 Reasons Why Giants Releasing Tommy DeVito Makes Perfect Sense

Tommy DeVito, originally signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2023, became one of the popular quarterbacks despite an average production.

3 Reasons Why Giants Releasing Tommy DeVito Makes Perfect Sense

Tommy DeVito (Image via FOX News)

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“The Italian in New York” is no longer with the Big Blue. Tommy DeVito, New York Giants’ beloved New Jerseyan quarterback, was waived by the team ahead of the official 53-man roster presentation on Tuesday (August 26).

DeVito, affectionately called “Tommy Cutlets” by the fans and local media, was cut from the Giants. In the meantime, he’s expected to be picked up by some other teams. If a team claims DeVito off waivers by noon on Wednesday, he must remain on that team’s 53-man roster for a minimum of the first three weeks of the regular season.

If he clears waivers, DeVito will then have a decision to make: rejoin the Giants’ practice squad as the fourth-string quarterback behind Russell Wilson, Jaxson Dart, and Jameis Winston. Or he could sign with another team’s practice squad, where he might have a quicker path to playing time as a third-stringer, with the potential to compete for backup reps. However, this would mean an unfortunate end for the ’Three Amigos.‘

Nevertheless, the move made perfect sense for the New York Giants and Tommy DeVito, given the tight quarterback room and eventual lack of opportunity. Here are three reasons why.

Too many cooks in the Giants quarterback room

The New York Giants quarterback room is crowded, and one option had to be eliminated to make space for depth in other positions. Russell Wilson was always going to be the starter since trading him in, and Dart is the long-term option that the Big Blue are looking to develop. That left just Tommy DeVito and Jameis Winston.

DeVito and Dart are developmental quarterbacks compared to Winston and Wilson. Winston’s presence ensured that there was an additional veteran presence in the quarterback room to take over in case Wilson is injured or cannot meet expectations. The experience with more than 90 starts and his goofy golden retriever energy also make for a good mentor for Dart.

Practice squad flexibility made Tommy DeVito the logical cut

One of the biggest reasons waiving Tommy DeVito made perfect sense is the Giants’ ability to realistically keep him in the building via the practice squad. NFL teams often cut fringe players they still like because they can sneak them through waivers, then re-sign them without burning a 53-man roster spot.

Tommy DeVito
Tommy DeVito (Image via CNN)

DeVito fits that profile perfectly. He’s still young, has some upside, but isn’t viewed around the league as a must-have QB1 or even QB2. That lowers the risk of another team immediately claiming him off waivers. If he clears, the Giants can keep him as their scout team quarterback, call him up in case of injuries, and continue his development without tying up valuable roster real estate.

Tommy and his Mama Mia hands could find home somewhere else

From Tommy DeVito’s perspective, the waiver doesn’t seem bad either. He might have to uproot himself from his neighborhood, but the options aren’t ending there. DeVito, who’s charmed the MetLife with his hand-pinch celebration and down-to-earth charisma, was linked to several trades even before the roster waiver.

Art Stapleton of northjersey.com noted that the player might not venture far from home, pointing to the New York Jets picking him up. The Jets replaced veteran Aaron Rodgers with former Steeler Justin Fields, while backup Tyrod Taylor is nursing a knee injury. The absence of a fully healthy backup option and the marketing potential of the player could prompt the Jets to pick him up.

Stapleton also suggested the New Orleans Saints, who are vying for strong quarterbacks. In addition, he also hinted at the Minnesota Vikings, the Tennessee Titans, and the Las Vegas Raiders as potential suitors. Jacob Camenker also pitched in his thoughts, naming six teams that could be a perfect fit for the New Jersey kid.

Camenker named the New England Patriots, Washington Commanders, and Atlanta Falcons among clubs that have a requirement where DeVito fits like a glove.

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