The New York Giants are down to just three quarterbacks after cutting Nathan Rourke on Sunday and at least two of them — Daniel Jones and Drew Lock — are guaranteed to make the 53-man roster.
That leaves Tommy DeVito’s future somewhat uncertain.
Will the Giants opt to carry three quarterbacks on their roster this season? Or will they try to sneak DeVito onto the practice squad?
If they choose the latter, DeVito believes it may be a risky gamble for general manager Joe Schoen. Even if he managed to clear waivers and land on the practice squad, DeVito doesn’t feel like he’d remain there for too long.
“I’m going to put them in a situation to make a decision,” DeVito told the New York Post. “It’s going to be up to them. I’m going to go out and do my job to the highest ability. It’s not in my hands — this decision.
“I’m very aware of how they operate in this organization. That’s up to them to make that decision, make that gamble. I’m going to continue to play. We’ll see how everything unfolds.”
If DeVito were to get claimed on waivers or signed off the practice squad, then so be it.
“If they decide to (cut me) and I get scooped up, I don’t get to make that decision (to say) afterwards, if somebody grabs me, ‘No, I want to stay here.’ It’s everything for the front office,” he said.
DeVito, of course, was thrust into the starting role last season after both Jones and Tyrod Taylor went down with injuries. He was essentially thrown to the wolves but seized the opportunity after a slow start, leading the Giants to a three-game winning streak. “Tommy Cutlets” was born.
For a short while, DeVito gained national fame. He was talked about on late-night programs and his Italian-style celebration took on a life of its own. It was a wave of popularity that still, albeit to a lesser degree, exists to this day.
So far in training camp, DeVito has been impressive. He’s clearly more comfortable in the offense and more savvy as a quarterback. There’s still a ways to go but he feels — and justifiably so — that he’s proven he belongs in the NFL.
We’ll see if the Giants agree in the weeks ahead.
