*a series dedicated to profiling the players on the Giants’ roster. Know The Giant will be released daily from now until the start of the season. Up next: quarterback Drew Lock.
The Basics
- Age: 27 years old
- College: Missouri
- Experience: entering sixth year in league (did not play in 2022)
- Drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round (42nd overall) in 2019
- Spent last season with the Seattle Seahawks
- Joins Giants in free agency (one-year, $5 million deal)
Overview
Lock never really lived up to expectations in Denver. Like fellow teammate Daniel Jones, he had a solid rookie season (five games played, 4-1 record, 1,020 yards, seven touchdowns, three interceptions).
But, the rest of his career as a Bronco was sour. The main starter in 2020, he was 4-9, throwing just 16 touchdowns and a league-leading 15 interceptions in 13 games played.
Losing the starting job to Teddy Bridgewater in 2021, Lock appeared in just six games the entire season. Mostly in replacement of Teddy Bridgewater due to injuries, Lock started the final three games of the season (all losses). He was uninspiring, throwing for 560 yards and just a touchdown in those starts.
Involved in the infamous trade that sent Russell Wilson to Denver, Lock became a member of the Seattle Seahawks in 2022. With Geno Smith taking every snap, Lock did not see the field in the regular season.
The former Missouri product got on the field in 2023, replacing an injured Smith in week four against (ironically) the Giants. He led the team on a 75-yard drive that ended in a touchdown for the team but was replaced later by Smith once he was ready to go again.
His best performance was in week 14, where he led the team to an upset win over the Philadelphia Eagles. He was 22/33 for 208 yards and a touchdown.
KENNETH WALKER TAKES IT TO HOUSE 🏠
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 19, 2023
WHAT A BLOCK BY DREW LOCK 😤
(via @Seahawks)pic.twitter.com/9iQHj1pW27
After finishing the year with 543 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions, Lock was not retained by the Seahawks and signed with New York this offseason.
2024 Expectations
When Lock signed the deal, I immediately thought of him as the clear QB1 for the 2024 season. Then, I had to hold my horses. After all, Lock’s role was clear when he signed that dotted line: that he would be the backup behind Daniel Jones.
That’s not to say he won’t compete in training camp for the job. No one just accepts that they’re going to sit behind someone in the same position they are playing.
Lock showed improvement during his time in Seattle, from reading defenses to controlling the offense. Of course, he still makes questionable decisions that have prevented him from holding down a starting job in the NFL.
But, the Giants needed a veteran backup. They lost Tyrod Taylor to the Jets in free agency. So, Lock fills that empty void.
At the end of the day, expectations are that Lock can be a solid player that can push Jones to be the best he can be, while also being a solid starting quarterback if called upon.
Drew Lock was just one of many players that joined the Giants this offseason. It will be interesting to see how much of an impact he will make in 2024. Fans will love him, no matter if he starts or not.
It’s Drew Lock time pic.twitter.com/87dPaReJby
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 15, 2020
After all, he did beat the Eagles.
Drew. Lock. pic.twitter.com/dn8SR2YG7S
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) December 19, 2023
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Featured Image: Luke Hales/Getty Images
