Deonte Banks has been a lightning rod for New York Giants fans. After a relatively promising rookie season, it's been all downhill since. He's been heavily scrutinized for his play, and rightfully so.
The criticism extends well beyond the lack of production, and the struggles are well-documented: He still struggles in coverage and can't make a tackle. The shortcomings point to an overall lack of effort that shows up weekly, as evidenced by a critical play in Sunday's humiliating 34-24 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
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Early in the fourth quarter, Niners backup running back, Brian Robinson, ran the ball down the defense's throat. Three straight runs — 5 yards, then 10, then an 18‑yard touchdown. On his way to the end zone, Banks had a chance to make a play, but instead, his poor tackling effort got him tossed through the turf in one of the softest defensive showings you’ll see.
In addition to his on-field embarrassment, the 24-year-old skirted accountability after the game by dodging the media in one of the most immature ways possible. New York Post columnist Mark Cannizzaro had the drop:
#Giants CB Deonte Banks, who got trucked by #49ers RB Brian Robinson on a TD, skirted waiting reporters by walking into bathroom with his pants around his ankles and leaving thru back door. #accountability
— NYPost_Cannizzaro (@MarkCannizzaro) November 3, 2025
Deonte Banks on borrowed time with Giants as trade deadline nears
No matter how you slice it, that’s embarrassing. The 24-year-old knows better. Not answering questions is one thing — this is something else entirely. And if he’s tired of the criticism? Then play better. Be accountable.
The Giants can’t afford to carry a player who gives no effort on the field and avoids responsibility off of it. That’s a problem.
Fortunately, the trade deadline is Tuesday, and general manager Joe Schoen should do everything he can to move on from the 2023 first-round pick. Entering his third season in East Rutherford, Banks was supposed to take a leap. He was supposed to iron out the kinks and become a key piece on defense. That hasn’t happened. And it won’t. But he can still help this team on his way out — by bringing back some draft capital.
It’s unclear what the return might look like, but the Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Rams could be teams to watch. LA has already made a move for Roger McCreary, but corner depth is still a need.
General manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay might convince themselves they can get more out of Banks than the Giants ever did.
Either way, the lack of effort, accountability, and maturity should have Schoen working the phones until the 4:00 p.m. deadline hits. Banks’ time in blue is up — it’s time to act.