Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera answers questions from reporters after the Carson Wentz introductory press conference at Inova Sports Performance Center in Ashburn, Va., March 17, 2022. (Photo by Brian Murphy, All-Pro Reels)
Tommy DeVito declined substantially more money from Commanders in order to sign with the Giants, and it’s looking like the right move
Tommy DeVito’s life is going pretty well at the moment. As the starting quarterback for the New York Giants, the 25-year-old has a winning record and has gained considerable attention in the city.
It so happened that DeVito’s first two victories as a starting quarterback were against two teams hoping to sign him. After DeVito was not selected, his agent recently told NFL Media that the Washington Commanders made a much larger offer than the Giants. But in the end, DeVito signed with Big Blue because he wanted to play for his hometown team and for Brian Daboll and his coaching staff.
The Patriots also inquired about signing DeVito after he didn’t make New York’s initial 53-man roster. But once again, DeVito stayed in New York, who started the regular season on the Giants’ practice squad.
DeVito got his chance to shine when starters Daniel Jones and backup Tyrod Taylor went down with injuries earlier this season. DeVito made his NFL debut against the Jets on Oct. 29, threw his first career touchdown pass against the Las Vegas Raiders one week later and made his first career start against the Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 12.
After having so-so success up until that point, DeVito had a breakout game against the Commanders on Nov. 19. Facing the team that initially wanted him, DeVito went 18 of 26 for 246 yards and three touchdowns while getting his first win as an NFL starting quarterback. He followed that performance up with another solid performance during last Sunday’s win over New England.
A Giants team desperately in need of a boost has benefited from DeVito’s ascent.
Saquon Barkley, a running back, recently said of the rookie quarterback, “He comes in with the right mentality,” via The Athletic. “He’s a confident dude from Jersey, so I’m excited and happy for that.”
