The New York Giants face uncertainty regarding Tommy DeVito’s status on their roster, while veteran tight end Darren Waller is making headlines by returning from retirement and being traded to the Miami Dolphins. These developments come as the Giants prepare for the 2025 season, adjusting their lineup to improve after a difficult previous year. Tommy DeVito Giants roster status remains in question as the team manages its quarterback group behind star player Daniel Jones and newcomer Tyrod Taylor.
With Darren Waller set to join the Dolphins, the Giants lose a key veteran presence, intensifying the importance of their young talent and depth chart choices. The team also secured the No. 2 pick in Matt Miller’s 2026 NFL mock draft, selecting an offensive tackle to enhance their offensive line. These roster decisions reflect the Giants’ effort to strengthen critical positions while maintaining flexibility.
DeVito’s Chances of Making the Active Roster Appear Slim
Tommy DeVito, now 26 years old, faces a steep challenge to secure an active roster spot with the Giants. The team currently has three dependable quarterbacks on their active roster, eliminating an immediate need for DeVito’s services. Unless injuries impact the depth chart, DeVito’s chances of playing in regular-season games seem unlikely.
Barring injury, there’s no path to a spot on the active roster for DeVito. It will be interesting to see if any team deems DeVito worthy of an active roster spot if the Giants cut him. There isn’t even a real need for the Giants to use a practice squad spot on DeVito since they’ll have three capable quarterbacks on their active roster. But they could try to stash the 26-year-old if they believe he provides value behind the scenes and as a backup option to Dart in the future.
—Report from Big Blue View
The Giants may consider placing DeVito on their practice squad if they value his potential as a long-term backup and mentor for young quarterback Evan Dart. However, this move depends on roster needs and whether other teams show interest if DeVito becomes available.
Offensive Challenges and Expectations for Key Players
The Giants’ offense struggled dramatically last season, ranking 31st in scoring with only 16.1 points per game despite returning 10 of 11 starters. The team’s offensive woes have made quarterback play a focal point of their efforts to improve. While veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew fills part of the quarterback role, the Giants are banking on better quarterback performance overall to elevate the entire offense.
What is the biggest concern? The Giants were 31st in scoring last season (16.1 points per game) and brought back 10 of 11 starters on offense. It’s hard to imagine that an aging Wilson is the answer for all their struggles the past few years, but the Giants believe that better quarterback play will make everybody — from the offensive line to the receivers to the running game — more successful. “It’ll trickle down from there,” wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson said this spring.
The hope is that: Robinson gets to show he’s more than just an average receiver; fellow receiver Malik Nabers takes his game to the next level; and tight end Theo Johnson becomes a high-end player — all because of better quarterback play.
—Wan’Dale Robinson, Wide Receiver
Wide receivers Wan’Dale Robinson and Malik Nabers are anticipated to develop further with improved quarterback accuracy. Tight end Theo Johnson is also expected to make significant strides, potentially emerging as a leading player in his position. These advancements depend heavily on consistent and effective quarterback execution.
Defensive Backbone and Areas Needing Improvement
On defense, the Giants hope to find stability through inside linebacker Bobby Okereke, who is aiming for a rebound season. Despite some strong individual performances, the defense struggles to stop the run, particularly lacking quality run-stoppers besides nose tackle Dexter Lawrence. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen faces the challenge of balancing aggressive pass coverage with improving run defense effectiveness.
Bowen prefers defensive schemes utilizing two deep safeties, such as quarters coverage, but roster limitations may force adjustments. The Giants allowed the fourth-most explosive runs last year, signaling a need for better containment at the line of scrimmage to enable their pass rush to be more disruptive.
Rising Quarterback Evan Dart’s Promise and Leadership
Evan Dart’s physical skills and leadership qualities have garnered positive attention during offseason practices. Known for his agility and arm talent, Dart’s ability to deliver precise passes under pressure marks him as a capable NFL quarterback prospect. His adaptability and coachability stand out amid a competitive quarterback room.
John Schmeelk: Physically, Dart’s arm is more than adequate to play well in the NFL. The touch he showed at Ole Miss has been apparent in practice. He has the ability to place very catchable balls over defenders. He is a good athlete, with the twitchiness to escape from pressure and the creativity to throw on the move. His competitiveness has also been obvious.
What has really stood out for me has been his personality. After he finished his first in-person media availability during OTAs, I turned to Dan Salomone and Matt Citak and said, “He’s Captain Charisma.” Everyone raved about his personality, leadership skills and intangibles in college, and those have been apparent in how he has operated so far as a Giant.
—John Schmeelk, Analyst
Dart’s reported leadership has impressed teammates and coaches alike, raising expectations that he could serve as a reliable backup or potential future starter. His presence on the team contributes to a quarterback group with both experience and youthful energy.
Dexter Lawrence Anchors the Giants’ Defensive Front
Dexter Lawrence remains a key figure on the Giants’ defensive line, a powerful nose tackle capable of disrupting opposing offenses. Now 27, Lawrence benefits from the increased talent surrounding him, which makes it more difficult for opposing teams to double-team him. This enhanced support opens the possibility for Lawrence to achieve double-digit sacks for the first time in his career.
The Giants’ defensive scheme employs a “NASCAR package,” featuring four defensive ends rushing the quarterback on passing downs. Lawrence acts as the “pace car” of this formation, controlling the line of scrimmage and creating opportunities for his teammates to pressure the quarterback. This strategic approach was integral to the Giants’ Super Bowl XLVI success and continues to shape their defensive identity.
League-Wide Developments and Related Team News
Elsewhere in the NFL, several notable stories have emerged that impact player movements and team strategies. The Washington Commanders face challenges with the 2025 schedule, while contract negotiations for key players like Terry McLaurin highlight ongoing roster uncertainties. The Buffalo Bills’ James Cook’s future remains a topic of interest, and former first-round picks with the Dallas Cowboys strive to revitalize their careers.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson has reportedly taken part in team quarterback meetings this offseason, signaling engagement despite past controversies. New York Jets running back Breece Hall sets personal goals for 2025 to reaffirm his status among the league’s elite runners. Peyton Manning has praised young quarterbacks Arch Manning and Garrett Nussmeier for their exceptional throwing abilities, illustrating the league’s continued emphasis on developing quarterback talent.
Upcoming Outlook for the Giants
The Giants enter the season confronting critical roster decisions, particularly at the quarterback position, as they calibrate the balance between veteran stability and emerging talent. Tommy DeVito’s uncertain status adds intrigue to the team’s depth chart, while the departure of Darren Waller to the Dolphins leaves a leadership gap on offense.
Looking ahead, the offense’s ability to execute—and the defense’s capacity to improve against the run—will be decisive factors in the Giants’ growth. With promising young players like Wan’Dale Robinson, Malik Nabers, Theo Johnson, Bobby Okereke, and Dexter Lawrence taking center stage, the Giants remain determined to reverse last season’s struggles and build toward sustained success.
How the Giants manage these transitions and develop their roster depth will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike in the lead-up to the new NFL campaign.