The NY Giants signed cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, shortly after agreeing to terms with No. 1 wide receiver Kenny Golladay Saturday evening, immediately upgrading two glaring needs with two of the premier free agents available at the positions.
Monday, the NY Giants and Jackson agreed to terms on a four-year deal worth up to $39 million, sources confirmed to GMenHQ.
Jackson, 25, has the chance to step in and start immediately on the outside opposite Pro Bowler James Bradberry in Patrick Graham’s defense.
Last September Jackson suffered a sprained patella tendon and spent 14 weeks on injured reserve, but when healthy has the ability to be a dominant cover-corner.
Jackson allowed just 30 receptions in 46 targets as quarterbacks produced a 91.8 passer rating when targeting him in 2019. Pro Football Focus gave Jackson a 76.2 overall rating and 75.2 pass-defense grade that season.
Addressing cornerback was a top-line need for the Giants, after finishing last season 17th in the NFL in passing defense, but starting a rotating cast of mediocre cornerbacks opposite Bradberry, including the likes of Madre Harper and Isaac Yiadom. Prior to signing Jackson, the NY Giants didn’t have a player who fit the profile of an outside cornerback, especially one capable of minimizing dominant receivers such as the Cowboys’ Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb, and Washington’s Terry MacLaurin in the NFC East.
Signing Jackson also reunites him with former Titans teammate Logan Ryan.
Adding Jackson significantly upgrades the NY Giants’ secondary which now likely will start Jabrill Peppers and Xavier McKinney at safety with Bradberry, Jackson and Jackson on the outside and possibly Ryan in the nickel.
Golladay and Jackson underscore the NY Giants’ targeted aggressive approach to free agency, as the organization was able to land two top targets in the market’s first wave.
Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.