The New York Giants on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, waived fan-favorite quarterback Tommy DeVito as part of NFL cutdown day roster moves, the team announced as it finalized its 53-man roster for the upcoming season. The move comes as the Giants opt to carry three quarterbacks — leaving DeVito as the odd man out in a deeper QB room.
DeVito — affectionately known by fans as “Tommy Cutlets” after his underdog surge in 2023 — earned a special place in New York’s hearts with clutch performances as an undrafted rookie. He started multiple games for the Giants across his short NFL tenure and became an instant fan favorite for his personality, work ethic and hometown roots. Cutting him signals how roster math and positional strategy can outweigh fandom during final roster construction.
Why the Giants made the decision
The Giants’ depth chart swelled this offseason and in training camp, with established veteran Russell Wilson, the experienced Jameis Winston and rookie Jaxson Dart all ahead of DeVito on the pecking order. NFL teams rarely carry four quarterbacks on the active 53-man roster, and the Giants ultimately chose roster flexibility over keeping a fourth QB spot open. That practical calculus — balancing special teams, depth at other positions and game-day activations — was a central factor in the decision.
Even after a strong showing in the preseason finale — a stat line that included completing 17 of 20 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns in a 42-10 win — DeVito couldn’t beat the roster constraints. His standout performance served as one last reminder of his capabilities, but it wasn’t enough to guarantee a 53-man spot.
What happens next: waivers or practice squad?
Because DeVito was waived, other NFL teams now have the opportunity to claim him off waivers. If unclaimed after the waiver period, he could return to the Giants as a practice-squad player — a likely outcome given his familiarity with the offense and the organization’s history with him — or seek a fresh opportunity elsewhere. Teams in need of a knowledgable, game-tested backup could move quickly if they believe DeVito fits their system.
Player movement in the immediate hours and days after cutdown day is fast and fluid. DeVito’s experience (12 career games played with multiple starts) and the goodwill he has cultivated with fans and within the NFL landscape make him an attractive candidate for claims or practice-squad deals. Analysts expect several teams to monitor the waiver wire closely.
Reactions — fans, analysts and the locker room
Reaction to the cut across social platforms and local media was swift. Giants supporters expressed disappointment, citing DeVito’s infectious energy and previous on-field heroics. Media coverage framed the move as a tough but predictable roster reality — one that reflects how franchises manage limited spots while trying to prepare for a long season. Analysts noted that while DeVito has upside, New York appears committed to developing Dart and relying on the veteran presence of Wilson and Winston.
From a team perspective, roster architects often face trade-offs between keeping a popular player and optimizing the active roster for weekly needs. The Giants’ decision underscores a broader NFL pattern: promising players without a defined role can be vulnerable on cutdown day, even with strong preseason film.
How this affects the Giants’ season outlook
Practically, the Giants enter the regular season carrying three quarterbacks: Russell Wilson as the starter, with Jameis Winston and Jaxson Dart providing experience and youth behind him. That trio gives New York a mix of veteran savvy and developmental potential, but losing DeVito removes a home-grown emergency option with starting experience in case of multiple injuries. The move increases the importance of health and depth management across the roster.
For fans, the decision changes the narrative arc of one of the more compelling underdog stories from recent seasons. For the organization, it’s a reminder that roster construction in the NFL is as much about balance and versatility as it is about sentiment.
Where DeVito could land next
Speculation about potential landing spots already began to circulate. Teams that like to develop quarterbacks or that lack depth behind their starter could be plausible suitors. Alternatively, a practice-squad return to New York remains likely if DeVito clears waivers, keeping him close to the Giants’ system and providing insurance down the road. Profootball analysts have identified a handful of teams that could offer DeVito both immediate depth and a chance at future snaps.
