In a surprising turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the New York Giants locker room, Drew Lock has expressed frustration with the team’s unexpected quarterback decision, marking another chapter in the Giants’ tumultuous 2023 season.
Lock, who served as Daniel Jones’s primary backup throughout the season, found himself in an unprecedented situation when the Giants opted to promote Tommy DeVito to the starting role, bypassing the traditional depth chart hierarchy. The decision has left the 28-year-old veteran questioning his position within the organization.
“Just upset,” Lock revealed in a candid conversation with The Post’s Steve Serby. “I’d say upset and confused are two pretty good words to put in there.” The quarterback’s raw honesty painted a picture of a professional grappling with an unexpected career setback.
Despite his disappointment, Lock has handled the situation with remarkable professionalism. “There’s a ton of emotions involved in all of it,” he acknowledged during Wednesday’s press conference. “This is still a business, and I want more jobs after this year. If I come in and be ugly and nasty, it just leaves a bad taste in these guys’ mouths.”
The decision becomes even more puzzling when considering Lock’s contract details. During the offseason, the Giants invested $5 million in a one-year deal with Lock, specifically bringing him in as insurance for Jones, who was recovering from ACL surgery. This financial commitment makes the team’s current stance particularly perplexing.
Lock’s journey with the Giants hasn’t been without its challenges. A hip injury during training camp limited his preseason appearances, something he acknowledges may have impacted the coaching staff’s evaluation. “It hindered their ability to watch me perform in this offense in a game setting,” Lock explained.
His only regular-season opportunity came during Week 4’s 28-3 loss to the Eagles. When he replaced Jones in the fourth quarter, he completed just 3 of 8 passes for six yards. While these numbers don’t tell the whole story, they’ve become part of the narrative surrounding his position on the team.
The Giants’ management, including GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, conducted separate meetings with all three quarterbacks to explain the restructuring. According to Lock, DeVito’s previous experience with the team in 2023 – including six starts – was cited as a critical factor in the decision.
In a display of professional courtesy, Lock has maintained his support for DeVito despite the situation. “I’ve been close with Tommy; it’s more than just a business thing,” he stated. “I appreciate him; he’s a great friend, and I want him to go out there and do well.”
Meanwhile, the Giants are seeing movement in other areas of their roster. Kayvon Thibodeaux is expected to return from injured reserve this weekend, potentially boosting the team’s defense. Additionally, Evan Neal has retained his starting position at correct tackle following his Week 10 performance against the Panthers, though coach Daboll notes there’s still room for improvement.
As the Giants navigate this quarterback controversy, Lock’s situation reminds us of the NFL’s unpredictable nature and the complex decisions teams must make, even when they seem to contradict conventional wisdom. While Lock may not have received the expected opportunity, his professional handling of the situation speaks volumes about his character. It could well influence his prospects in the league.
The situation continues to evolve, but one thing remains clear: depth charts and contracts don’t always tell the whole story in the high-stakes world of professional football. For now, Lock remains ready on the sidelines, maintaining his professionalism while processing a decision that has left many, including himself, questioning the traditional NFL playbook.