The NFL is a tricky game, and it is tough to build a long career in a sport that has an average career span of roughly three years.
Former Illini quarterback Tommy DeVito has done a great job carving out a spot in the NFL. Earlier this week, DeVito dealt with what much of the NFL deals with, as he was waived by the New York Giants.
This wasn’t shocking news, as the Giants loaded up on quarterbacks, and DeVito was clearly the odd man out. With his arm and experience, DeVito was sure to get another job. That job came just days later, as the New England Patriots claimed DeVito off waivers.
Patriots claim QB Tommy DeVito and CB Charles Woods; Release WR Javon Baker and WR Kendrick Bourne; Sign 16 players to the practice squad: https://t.co/lrEYejIikA pic.twitter.com/fmzr4mUrsv
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 27, 2025
DeVito had a good two-year run with the Giants. As an undrafted free agent, he was thrown to the wolves in year one and managed to go 3-3 as a starter. He threw for 1,101 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions that season.
In 2024, DeVito only played in three games for New York, but he still had a completion percentage of 70.5% and he threw for 257 yards. DeVito, thankfully, didn’t have to go too far for his new job. You couldn’t get any closer to home than the Giants or the Jets, but the Patriots are a close third in that mix.
Josh Dobbs better look over his shoulder, as Tommy DeVito is coming for his backup job with the New England Patriots
So, now that DeVito was claimed off waivers, he is listed as the No. 3 quarterback on the Patriots’ roster. That doesn’t mean much right now.
A couple of years ago, Dobbs was the darling of NFL, as he came in as a backup and played well for a couple of teams. But let’s be honest, Dobbs isn’t the quality backup that DeVito can be for the Patriots.
In 23 games in five seasons in the NFL, Dobbs has completed 62.7% of his passes for 3,281 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. DeVito has played in 12 games and has completed 65.3% of his passes for 1,358 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions.
DeVito is less turnover-prone, and he is more accurate. There is no doubt that I think DeVito can take over the primary backup job in New England. I think he could make a home there for years to come.