Tommy DeVito Looks to Torch His Former Team as Patriots Face Giants on MNF
The New York Giants have been chasing quarterback stability ever since Eli Manning hung up his cleats in 2019. Daniel Jones was supposed to be the answer, but that chapter didn’t unfold the way the franchise hoped. Now, it’s Jaxson Dart’s turn to take the reins-a rookie the Giants traded up for in the first round of this year’s draft, signaling a fresh start under center.
But with a 2-10 record heading into Week 13, the Giants are still very much in rebuild mode. And the irony of their current situation? They’re facing the 10-2 New England Patriots, led by none other than Drake Maye-the quarterback many Giants fans had their eyes on during the 2024 draft cycle.
Had the Giants lost just a few more games last season, Maye might be wearing blue instead of red, white, and navy. But a few unexpected wins, including three courtesy of then-rookie Tommy DeVito, pushed them out of the top three in the draft order. That late-season surge cost them a shot at Maye, and some fans haven’t forgotten.
Now, DeVito is on the other sideline, wearing Patriots gear and making headlines of his own.
DeVito Adds Fuel to the Fire
Ahead of Monday Night Football, DeVito didn’t hold back when asked about his former team. “I loved my time with the Giants,” he said, before adding, “I hope we blow them out.”
That’s not exactly going to win over the fans who already blamed him for playing them out of a top draft pick. DeVito’s late-season wins in 2023 were seen by some as well-intentioned but costly, especially now that Maye is thriving in New England under head coach Mike Vrabel.
The Giants reportedly made a strong push to trade up for Maye, but the Patriots weren’t taking any calls. New York ultimately landed wide receiver Malik Nabers, who’s been a bright spot in an otherwise dim season. But the “what if” surrounding Maye still lingers.
DeVito’s Role in New England
DeVito isn’t the centerpiece of the Patriots' offense-far from it. He’s currently the third-string quarterback behind Maye and Joshua Dobbs.
But don’t underestimate his value this week. DeVito spent two seasons in the Giants’ system, starting eight games and appearing in 12.
He knows the personnel. He knows the schemes.
And while he downplayed his role in game prep, he acknowledged he’ll be sharing what he knows.
“I can help player breakdowns and give my two cents here and there,” DeVito said. “I’ll help in any way I can.”
That kind of intel can be gold in a week-to-week league like the NFL. Even if he’s not taking snaps, DeVito’s insight into player tendencies and locker room dynamics could give New England a subtle edge.
The Journey That Brought Him Here
DeVito’s time in New York was a rollercoaster. He became a bit of a cult hero for Giants fans during his brief run as starter, going 3-5 with 1,358 yards, eight touchdowns, and just three interceptions while completing over 65% of his passes. Not bad for an undrafted rookie thrown into the fire.
But the writing was on the wall this past offseason. The Giants made a surprising move by naming Russell Wilson their starter at the start of training camp-without an open competition.
Jaxson Dart, as a first-round pick, was locked in. Jameis Winston signed a two-year deal and showed enough in the preseason to hold a roster spot.
That left DeVito as the odd man out.
The Giants waived him, and the Patriots didn’t hesitate to scoop him up.
Monday Night Stakes
Now, DeVito finds himself in a familiar storyline with a new twist-returning to face the team that gave him his first NFL shot, but hoping to help bury them in prime time. It’s a full-circle moment, and there’s no shortage of emotion.
For the Giants, it’s another chance to evaluate their young quarterback and see how Dart handles a tough Patriots defense. For New England, it’s about continuing their surge with Maye under center-and maybe getting a little extra help from someone who knows the Giants all too well.
The numbers may not jump off the page, but the narrative certainly does. Monday night is more than just a matchup between two teams in very different places.
It’s a reminder that in the NFL, even the smallest moments-like a few unexpected wins-can shape the future of a franchise. Just ask Tommy DeVito.