How many quarterbacks have lost their starting roles in 2024?
The National Football League season can be cruel and several quarterbacks have already been relegated to the bench.
The Daniel Jones era as the New York Giants’ starting quarterback has come to an abrupt end. On Monday, head coach Brian Daboll made the decision to bench the 27-year-old, opting for Tommy DeVito against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an attempt to end a five-game losing streak. Additionally, Daboll announced that Jones will be the QB3 for the final seven games of the season, while veteran Drew Lock will fill in as the backup.
“Obviously, we haven’t played at the level we want to and that’s everyone’s responsibility,” Daboll said. “We felt like this was a necessary decision to try to get things going, change the dynamic and that’s why we went with Tommy again.”
The decision to bench Jones reflects a season filled with challenges for both the player and the team. With a 2-8 record, the Giants appear headed for a second consecutive losing season.
Jones, who was the sixth overall pick in the 2019 draft, has had an inconsistent season with eight touchdown passes and seven interceptions, and a 3-13 record in his last 16 starts.
Daboll also suggested that by not allowing Jones to play the remainder of the season, the Giants are seeking to avoid an injury that would trigger a $23 million guarantee on his contract if he were unable to play at the start of next season.
Hopes pinned on Tommy DeVito
Young fan favorite Tommy DeVito now has the responsibility of turning the Giants’ season around. With an offense that ranks last in the league in scoring, averaging 15.6 points per game, DeVito will face a tall challenge ahead.
Quarterbacks walking a tightrope
The 2024 season has been particularly turbulent for quarterbacks in the NFL, with several starters losing and regaining their jobs throughout the year. Up-and-coming 2023 quarterbacks Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers and Anthony Richardson of the Indianapolis Colts are examples of quarterbacks who have faced similar ups and downs.
Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft, began the season as the Panthers’ starter. However, after a string of disappointing performances and a few injuries, he was benched. The Panthers, desperate to find a spark in their offense, turned to veteran Andy Dalton, but Young regained his job after a few weeks, showing flashes of the talent that earned him the No. 1 pick. Young has now won two straight, something he’s never accomplished in his young career.
The Colts' Anthony Richardson has also had a roller-coaster season. Richardson, who began the year as the starter, faced inconsistency and an injury that led to him temporarily losing his job. However, after taking over the job, he was once again demoted against Buffalo. The Colts opted for Joe Flacco. However, a heartbreaking home loss to the Bills prompted Richardson to take the reins again and last weekend they pulled out a win over the Jets.
Other quarterbacks on the ropes
In addition to Jones, Young and Richardson, other quarterbacks have experienced changes in their starting position this year:
After being benched by the Raiders at the end of last season, Derek Carr left Las Vegas and signed with the New Orleans Saints, where he has had an uneven season with injuries. Justin Fields started as the Steelers’ starter due to Russell Wilson’s injury, however when the veteran recovered Fields lost control.
Jacobby Brissett, the New England Patriots quarterback lost his job to rookie Drake Maye in Week 6. Then there was Will Levis who has been in a back and forth alternating the position with the veteran Mason Rudolph
Quarterback changes due to injury
Tua Tagovailoa: The Dolphins quarterback was injured in Week 2 against Buffalo and returned in Week 8.
Dak Prescott: The Dallas veteran was injured on November 3 against the Falcons and will miss the rest of the year.
Deshaun Watson: Watson tore his Achilles in Week 7 against the Bengals. Jameis Winston is in his place.
The quarterback position is one of the most demanding and closely watched in the NFL. The pressure to perform at a high level week in and week out is intense, and teams’ patience is often short.
Quick decisions to change quarterbacks reflect not only the quest for immediate wins, but also the financial impact and expectations of fans and owners.