With just about 4 days remaining in free agency, the league is witnessing a spate of decisions on matters that were up in the air. Releases, re-signings, and the end to a lot of speculation in this annual game of NFL chicken. In the midst of this, New York Giants HC Brian Daboll wants to erase the memories of the disastrous 2024 season that ended with a 3-14 record.

When their main QB for 6 seasons, Daniel Jones, quit in the middle of the last season, they were stranded at a crossroads. It was time to wipe the sheet clean and move in a new direction. They have started it by making 2 roster moves. The Giants have re-signed P Jamie Gillan & TE Chris Manhertz. In 2024, his 10th NFL season, the TE played 17 games (11 as a starter) with 342 offensive snaps and 165 snaps on special teams. Gillan has the highest net punting average (41.2) in the league since 1976 when they started measuring it.

HC Brian Daboll and the owner John Mara were impressed with their talent. A Scotland native, Jamie Gillan, earned the nickname The Scottish Hammer during his high school days. The Browns signed him as a free agent in 2019. He came to the NY Giants in 2022, where he recorded 225 punts in 47 games. He signed a 3-year $10.2 million with incentives, ranking him 7th most-paid in his position in the league.

Chris Manhertz has been a special talent. He played basketball for the Canisius Golden Griffins. But he changed his sport after college and played for the Saints (2016), Panthers (2017-2020), Jaguars (2021-2022), and Broncos (2023). He arrived at the Giants in 2024. While the exact deal is not out yet, the franchise is optimistic about their future.

Not only these two, they also finally have a QB on record for 2025 with the re-signing of Tommy DeVito for one more year. That’s a promising sign.

Brian Daboll’s Giants retain their QB

In 8 games as a starter, Tommy DeVito has a 3-5 win-loss record. So, the owner, John Mara, will undoubtedly look forward to the draft to bring in a bankable talent to be QB1. Although, at just 26 years old, DeVito may yet show some good form and stake a claim for that spot himself. Has he shown enough to deserve a shot?

DeVito has shown flashes of talent as a dual threat quarterback. In his 3rd win as a starter, against the Packers, he showed his rushing game with 10 rushes for 71 yards. He also had 17 of 21 passes completed for 158 passing yards with 1 touchdown. That performance, along with his age, meant it wasn’t surprising that Brian Daboll had expressed interest in keeping him after their 2024 season ended early. A lack of consistency (along with opportunities as a starter) will mean that a question mark looms over him.

Therefore, the Giants are also targeting the 2025 draft to sign a rookie QB, likely Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders. Both didn’t participate in the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Yet, the franchise is interested in the college prospects. They have already signed a deal with long snapper Casey Kreiter, a two-time team captain, and outside linebacker Tomon Fox as well.

They want to get back on the winning track. Sorting out their lineup nice and early would be a good starting point.