NFL rumors: NY Giants should avoid A.J. Bouye

Cornerback remains among the NY Giants’ biggest remaining needs, and a big name just became available Wednesday when the Denver Broncos released A.J. Bouye.

Bouye, 29, fits the profile of an outside cornerback at 6-foot and 191 pounds, but his lone season with the Broncos was a disappointment.

Bouye produced just 23 solo tackles and allowed 23 receptions in 36 targets as quarterbacks produced a 102.9 passer rating when targeting him and receivers averaged 10.9 yards per reception against him in 2020, according to Pro Football Focus.

While the Giants lack any proven options to start on the outside opposite James Bradberry, Bouye did not rank among PFF’s top 121 cornerbacks.

In addition to his struggles on the field, Bouye also must serve out the remaining two games of his suspension in 2021 for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Buoye also missed four games last season due to a shoulder injury.

If the price is right, and Bouye signs a veteran minimum, incentive-laden deal, the 29-year-old might make some sense for the Giants.

However, at this stage of his career and coming off a season of inconsistent play, the NY Giants would be wise to look elsewhere in free agency or turn to the NFL Draft to use an early pick on a cornerback to pair with Bradberry.

At this stage, Bouye isn’t a developing player and his suspension might make him a questionable culture-fit under head coach Joe Judge and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.

Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.