When it came to Josh McDaniels' offense in 2025, New England Patriots quarterback Tommy DeVito could look, but he couldn't touch.
A year later, turned loose with a full offseason and training camp with the team, the former New York Giant has been allowed to feast in the pocket, but it comes with a price tag.
One play away from the firing line
The Patriots are counting on DeVito to be their guy if disaster strikes Drake Maye.
"To be here last year is definitely a help, to get in hear the verbiage and learn the offense," said DeVito, who joined the Patriots late last August after being cut by New York.
"It's a little bit different when you finally get reps in it. When the season is going on, Drake is getting all the reps. And last year (Josh) Dobbs and I were just splitting up the scout team. I never really had a rep in the offense until this year. It's good to have them under my belt, especially full speed now with the pads on. I'm growing every day."
Has to deliver in preseason
Growth in the 27-year-old Illinois product is just what McDaniels and the Patriots are looking for this summer.
DeVito will be monitored closely, especially in the preseason games, to judge his progress.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
"(I've grown) a ton, especially I think the most between the years. To have two people like Josh and (Mike Vrabel), guys that are just so cerebral with the game offensively, defensively, the ins and outs of the game, little things that (I) never really thought before or things I've heard that were never really a big deal until they're a big deal now," explained DeVito. "Every meeting you go in, guns are blazing. There's no hang out, no joking around … When you're in that meeting, you're in there to learn. No matter what stage of career you are, you're always going to be there learning. They've always got something for you."
Every day matters in the process
DeVito has talked about his role here before, but his actions are what will determine his success in New England. He's not gunning to be a starter. He just wants to belong.
"With Josh, you're never really 'there,'" he said. "I just come in with an open mind and grow every day."
