New York Giants Release Beloved Quarterback On Eve Of 2025 Season
Well, folks, “Tommy Cutlets” has officially been served his walking papers. The New York Giants decided Tuesday that their feel-good story from 2023 won’t have a sequel in 2025, waiving Quarterback Tommy DeVito in what feels like the end of an era that honestly wasn’t supposed to last this long anyway.
Look, we all saw this coming. When you’ve got Russell Wilson penciled in as your starter and Jameis Winston backing him up, plus rookie sensation Jaxson Dart lighting up preseason scoreboards, somebody had to go. Unfortunately for DeVito, he drew the short straw in what became an inevitable numbers game. Where will he land next?
The Rise and Fall of a Jersey Legend
DeVito’s story was always more Disney movie than NFL dynasty. This undrafted free agent from Illinois (by way of Syracuse) captured hearts across the tri-state area when he stepped in during the Giants’ dismal 2023 campaign. Living at home with mom, getting his chicken cutlets prepared fresh daily, and throwing up that signature chef’s kiss gesture after big plays. It was pure gold for a fanbase desperately searching for anything to smile about.
The kid actually delivered, too. Three straight wins during that magical stretch tied the record for most victories by an undrafted rookie quarterback in the common draft era. That Monday night victory over Green Bay, where he orchestrated a game-winning drive for a 24-22 thriller? Chef’s kiss indeed. The NFL even named him NFC Offensive Player of the Week, which probably still makes his mother proud.
But lightning rarely strikes twice in East Rutherford. His 2024 encore performance lacked the magic of his breakout season. Sure, he completed 65.3% of his passes over two seasons, throwing 8 touchdowns against 3 picks, but those numbers tell the story of a serviceable backup, not a franchise savior.
Why the Giants Made the Right Call
This wasn’t about sentiment. It was about roster construction. The Giants brass loaded up on veteran experience this offseason, bringing in Wilson and Winston to stabilize a position that’s been shakier than a New York subway car during rush hour. Then they doubled down by selecting Dart in the first round, a move that screamed “we’re planning for the future.”
Keeping four quarterbacks on a 53-man roster? That is like bringing four umbrellas to a light drizzle – excessive and impractical. DeVito became the odd man out not because he failed, but because the team finally decided to get serious about the quarterback position.
What’s Next For the Quarterback?
Here’s where it gets interesting. DeVito might not be done with “Big Blue” just yet. Practice squad rules would allow the Giants to bring him back if no other team claims him off waivers. Given his familiarity with the system and his proven ability to step up when needed, don’t be shocked if he’s back in a Giants uniform by Wednesday.
If not? Well, 27-year-old quarterbacks with starting experience and a clutch gene don’t grow on trees. Some team dealing with injury concerns might take a flyer on the Jersey kid who once made Aaron Rodgers and the Packers look foolish under the Monday night lights.
The Tommy DeVito era in New York might be over, but the legend of Tommy Cutlets, complete with mom’s cooking and that unforgettable hand gesture, will live on in Giants lore. Sometimes the best stories aren’t about championships or Hall of Fame careers. Sometimes they’re about an undrafted kid from New Jersey who gave his hometown team exactly what it needed when it needed it most.
