New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito had the opportunity to sign with the New England Patriots after the New York Giants initially waived him in late August.
Instead, he turned it down.
The undrafted rookie did not make final roster cuts, and New England wanted to sign him to their practice squad. The coaching staff was able to see DeVito up close, having worked with him at the East-West Shrine Bowl. So it was no surprise they’d be interested in seeing him in their system.
Ultimately, DeVito signed back with the Giants. It ended up being a solid decision for the New Jersey native, as he has had a very strong season for New York. He has 855 passing yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions on the year.
DeVito’s agent, Sean Stellato, explained on “Monday Night Football” why the Giants were a better fit for his client, as transcribed by NESN.com’s Greg Dudek.
“I think (Belichick) saw the value in him,” said Stellato. “They wanted to sign him to the practice squad and make it an open competition with Bailey (Zappe) for 10 days. Tommy and I both felt to comprehend a (play)book in 10 days, that’s a little uphill, where you have familiarity with the Giants organization. They kind of had a game plan for you. I guess at the end of the day, we were looking at it, if they like you that much, why not claim him?”
The Patriots have struggled to find depth at the quarterback position beyond Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe.
Both of those quarterbacks have struggled in their own right, and one has to wonder what DeVito would’ve brought to the room. If anything, it’s just another instance of what could have been for New England.
