The New York Giants gave reason for the fanbase to be optimistic not only because they defeated the rival Dallas Cowboys, but did so in dominant fashion. Entering the season, one of the roster's weak points, on paper, was the secondary. Yet, the defensive backs held their own against the Cowboys and actually looked improessive.
Now, it's back to reality for the Giants.
In Week 2, the Giants lost 28-6 to the Los Angeles Rams. The Giants secondary was at a bit of a disadvantage, as Deonte Banks was inactive due to a calf injury. Pair that with Paulson Adebo hitting injured reserve due to a knee issue, and the secondary was a bit thin, depth wise. Yet, they were facing off against a Rams team that didn't have Puka Nacua due to a hip injury. So, they had a chance to sneak out a victory if they played competent football.
The secondary did not. They allowed Davante Adams to catch eight passes for 195 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Not to mention, there were multiple lapses in coverage, resulting in Rams pass catchers being wide open downfield and in the back of the end zone. They looked completely outmatched, and showed why fans and experts had their reservations about the impact the defense can have this season.
This kind of game will have Giants fans calling for the team to acquire Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Joey Porter Jr. buzz from fans will only grow after Giants secondary no-shows vs. Rams
The Giants made additions across their roster when John Harbaugh was named head coach. The secondary remained relatively untouched, meaning they could make an impact move either during free agency next March or through the NFL Draft. But there is plenty of buzz out of Pittsburgh that Porter wants out.
It was a bit surprising that Porter and the Steelers appear to be heading towards a divorce, considering the team drafting him in the second round in 2023 was viewed as a homecoming. Porter got to stay in-state after playing college football for Penn State, and that he would play on the same team as his father Joey Porter Sr., the former linebacker. It was a feel-good story.
But in a contract year, Porter is seeking a new contract. The thing is, the Steelers notoriously don't negotiate contracts during the season. But then, there's the report, via Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, that Porter turned down a $27 million per year offer from the Steelers. Porter also dealt with a back injury that he has been cleared of.
But, CBS Sports' Tracy Wolfson reported that the Steelers both haven't shopped Porter and haven't received any trade calls. Of course, that can all change especially as the trade deadline gets closer and we have a better idea of which teams can feasibly make the players and which organizations need to start rebuilding.
Giants need a significant cornerback addition if they want any chance of contending for a Super Bowl
Whether it's via a trade or free agency, the Giants need to be looking for some help at cornerback if they want any chance of contending.
Porter would be a good addition for the Giants whether that's at the trade deadline or in free agency next summer. Just last season, Porter allowed just 32 receptions for 333 yards and zero touchdowns on 66 targets, according to Pro Football Reference. In fact, in his career, he has only allowed one touchdown in coverage. That's an incredible feat for Porter.
Those are the numbers the Giants need from a star cornerback. Considering how much Porter reportedly turned down, the Giants would have the cap space to fit a contract of that magnitude, as the Giants are set to have over $50 million in cap space in 2027.
With the Giants secondary getting punished by the Rams passing attack, it should serve as a wake-up call for Harbaugh and general manager Joe Schoen that they need to find a proven difference maker to make sure they never have to give up nearly 200 receiving yards to one player again.
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