The NY Giants weren’t expected to be big players in free agency, but the front office flipped the script throughout the process, which continued with the addition of cornerback Adoree Jackson.
After locking up Leonard Williams, the team’s best defensive player, and Kenny Golladay, the best available wide receiver – they made another splash.
Former Tennessee Titans first round pick, defensive back Adoree’ Jackson, joined the team on a four-year contract worth up to $39 million, sources confirm to GMenHQ’s Matt Lombardo.
Jackson shot up draft boards in 2017 due to his tremendous play as a member of the USC Trojans – play that earned him the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back. He possessed blazing speed and game-changing big play ability – something that was continually on display as a member of the Titans.
Jackson has a great relationship with his former teammate, current Giants’ safety, Logan Ryan. The former USC standout was something of a protege to the two-time Super Bowl Champion, Ryan saying they ‘bonded a lot’ during their time together.
After watching players like Corey Ballentine, Ryan Lewis and Isaac Yiadom fill the position in 2020, Jackson is unquestionably an upgrade.
Here is a breakdown of the good, and the bad of the NY Giants signing of Adoree’ Jackson, as well as a grade for the move:
The good:
Entering free agency, the Giants’ biggest hole on defense was the position of cornerback outside their pro bowler, James Bradberry. It doomed them on occasions – images of Carson Wentz’ deep shots on Thursday Night Football come to mind.
The National Football League is a passing league – your secondary has to be strong if you want to win in this age. Adding Adoree’ Jackson to a secondary that already features Bradberry, Logan Ryan, Jabrill Peppers, Darnay Holmes and Xavier McKinney gives New York one of the league’s best units.
Quarterbacks avoided Bradberry when they could last season – picking on Ballentine, Lewis and Yiadom. With Jackson in the mix, offenses will be hard-pressed to find an easy-out.
Jackson also gives the Giants’ another weapon in the kick-return game. He’s electrified before at special teams – a unit near and dear to coach Joe Judge’s heart. With Peppers and Jackson to go along with receivers Dante Pettis and John Ross, the battle to see who will return kicks for New York will be one of the most interesting of training camp.
The CB2 position was a huge need for the Giants, and they just signed the best option available. Another one of the team’s holes filled by a player who can make an impact from day one.
The bad:
Jackson’s 2020 season was a lost one. He started the year on injured reserve with a knee ailment – something that is devastating for cornerbacks. After finally being activated on November 11th, he never was able to regain his footing – only starting two games for the Titans.
It’s been rumored that part of the reason Jackson was let go from the team that drafted him was that they weren’t ‘enamored’ with his rehab process. League insiders and players alike have dispelled that – saying he’s a ‘great kid’, and Giants like Logan Ryan and Jabrill Peppers have vouched for him.
With how thorough Judge and company were with their meeting with their newest receiver, Kenny Golladay – if they feel comfortable with Jackson, so should you.
While Jackson’s attitude concerns may have been overblown, his injury would be the biggest red flag for the team. The Giants and Jackson believe he’s 100% – for how high the expectation will climb with him added to their secondary, he better be.
The grade:
Free agency exists as a market to fill holes in your football team that glare throughout the previous season. While watching the Giants’ play last year, two positions needed an upgrade more than any – wide receiver and the second cornerback.
The Giants hit a home run in filling both.
Golladay and Jackson joining the team signals everything that fans have hoped – the team is on the rise. Both in the eyes of players and on paper, the gap between being a cellar dweller and a playoff team is almost closed.
The signing of Jackson also opened up the NY Giants to a world of possibilities in the NFL Draft. Instead of banking their whole strategy on picking the best receiver or corner available, it’s now impossible to predict the direction they’ll take.
Whether it’s the best player available or not, at least they won’t be forced into reaching for a player at the eleventh pick. That should be music to the ears of any Giants’ fan.
Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has to be grinning ear to ear thinking of all the ways he can use Jackson in his talented secondary. No longer will he be forced to play zone the entire game – in theory, he should only be able to improve on his impressive 2020.
The Golladay and Williams signings got more fanfare, but the Jackson signing may end up being just as big. Filling another hole with a young, talented player who can make an immediate impact – Gettleman may be getting his fair share of apologies after an impressive free agency.