UPDATE: The New England Patriots reportedly claimed QB Tommy DeVito on Thursday, Aug. 27.
The New York Giants will enter this season without one of their fan favorites.
The team waived quarterback Tommy DeVito on Tuesday morning as the franchise continues to trim its roster from 90 players down to 53 following preseason play. DeVito—a New Jersey native nicknamed “Tommy Cutlets” for his Italian heritage and love for his mother’s chicken cutlets—gave Giants fans memorable moments during the 2023 season when he started six games. He rode his fame to appearances in national ad campaigns.
Now, the third-year quarterback will need to be picked up by another squad to play in the NFL in 2025. But can his marketability stick without his hometown team?
“100 percent,” DeVito’s agent Sean Stellato said in a phone interview. “There’s a lot of Italian pockets, whether it’s New England or obviously the Jets. There’s Italians all over the country that love him. He fights for every underdog out there, which is relatable.”
DeVito’s future became cloudy when the Giants drafted former Ole Miss star Jaxson Dart in the first round in April, leaving the undrafted talent from Cedar Grove, N.J., the likely odd man out in a QB room that also includes veterans Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson. But that didn’t stop DeVito from receiving a standing ovation from fans during his final preseason action last Thursday; the 27-year-old led the team to scores on his first three drives in a 42-10 preseason finale rout over the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium.
“Anytime you go on the field, no matter where you are, especially being undrafted, you’re performing for all other 31 organizations as well,” DeVito said after the game. “It’s important to do that and be where your feet are. … I’ll let my agent and everything else handle itself if that time were to come.”
DeVito’s agent helped the former Syracuse and Illinois standout navigate his first two years in the NFL while becoming a Giants fan favorite. The wholesome Italian hometown hero brand, highlighted by him briefly living at his parents’ home during his rookie season, helped him secure commercial opportunities, including national TV spots. Most notably, he featured in a Super Bowl ad for Pizza Hut. Regionally, he’s collected appearance fees at mom-and-pop restaurants as well as national chains like Dunkin’ in Morris Township, N.J.
Stellato, known for wearing fedoras and colorful outfits, also saw his profile raised due to DeVito’s sudden fame. The veteran agent believes DeVito’s previous performances, professionalism and ability to add value to quarterback rooms should make his client a waiver wire target. He thinks the market will be there to avoid the QB needing to sign with a team’s practice squad.
Even his former teammates, like wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, vouched for DeVito, stating that he was the most experienced quarterback on the team in terms of knowing the Giants’ offense. DeVito, who made eight starts over the last two seasons, will soon find out where his next destination will be while he puts commercial obligations on hold—at least for now.
“He’s locked in on football and trying to be the best player he can be,” Stellato said. “But we’re always ready to entertain off-the-field opportunities that coincide with his brand.”
