The New York Giants have done an admirable job revamping the defensive side of the ball ahead of the 2025 season. They signed safety Jevon Holland and cornerback Paulson Adebo to help fortify the secondary. Plus, they drafted Abdul Carter with the No. 3 pick to create arguably the best front seven in football, featuring Carter, Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
The biggest question for the Giants’ defense is what happens with the No. 2 cornerback spot. According to Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton, if Deonte Banks wants to keep that role, he’s going to have to prove it.
“The Giants have sent a clear message to Banks by opening up a competition for the starting spot opposite Paulson Adebo. If he loses to Flott in the battle for the No. 2 cornerback position, Big Blue could place him on the trade block before it finalizes its initial 53-man roster.”
Moton couldn’t be more right in this assessment of Banks. It’s only been two years, but the Banks experience has been a total roller coaster. We’ve seen the good, leading the team in pass breakups in each of his first two years, two interceptions, and 116 total tackles.
But we’ve also seen the bad. In 2024, Banks allowed a 70.3 percent completion rate, six touchdowns, and a 124.2 passer rating. That’s compared to a 55.2 percent completion rate, four touchdowns, and a 79.6 passer rating in his rookie year. He was even benched for a lack of hustle... not exactly what you want to see from a first-round cornerback.
Deonte Banks’ roster spot may come down to preseason performance
Banks is splitting time with Cor’Dale Flott for the No. 2 cornerback spot alongside Adebo. This competition should be music to Giants fans’ ears and could be the slice of humble pie Banks needs to rebound after a rough sophomore season.
With urgency running through the entire organization, there’s no patience for Banks’ inconsistencies, especially from head coach Brian Daboll. A coach with his own job on the line isn’t going to tolerate anything less than Banks’ best. The talent is there. Everyone knows it. Now it’s on Banks to show it.
He’s called 2024 a “sophomore slump,” and hopefully he’s right. Because if he doesn’t prove he’s turning a corner in the preseason, he might not just lose his starting role, he could be done in blue altogether. He'll get his first shot against the Buffalo Bills Saturday to see if he can stick. Best of luck.