Since John Harbaugh took over as the head coach of the New York Giants, the team has started doing actual team things. What I really mean by that is there's now a clear direction... like, they're operating as if they aren't completely lost. No more throwing whatever at the wall and seeing what sticks -- it's a new day for Giants football.
While it hasn't been smooth sailing the whole way -- looking at you, Todd Monken -- Harbs' first couple of weeks of calling the shots have gone as well as they could have, given it's only early February. The staff building has been great. There have been some rockstar choices. With those choices, the 63-year-old's vision comes into focus a bit more.
And with the recent hiring of defensive backs coach Donald D’Alesio, upcoming free agent Cor’Dale Flott might’ve just gotten a clearer picture of where things are headed. Spotrac projects Flott’s next deal in the four-year, $38 million range, and given how the Giants have approached their defensive rebuild so far, it doesn’t feel like the type of number they’re going to shy away from.
Giants just sent a clear message about Cor’Dale Flott's upcoming free agency
It wasn't just the D'Alesio signing. Harbaugh's a known 'invest in the DBs' guy. He proved that in recent drafts in Baltimore and when he hired defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson earlier in the offseason. It's tough to imagine the new HC is rounding out a clear wrecking crew of strong defensive minds, specifically on the backend, only to let their best player leave for nothing in free agency.
That just doesn't feel like the move.
The 24-year-old is coming off the best season of his career, even earning a top-30 coverage grade mark by Pro Football Focus (69.6). None of this would have been possible had then-DC Shane Bowen not finally given up on the Deonte Banks cornerback experience. The two were sharing reps at the beginning of the season before Flott realized sharing is for the birds.
The 2022 third-round pick not only played well with the increased playing time, but he also proved he was the ultimate competitor by not letting the Banks competition get to him. He showed up all throughout the preseason, and by the time Week 5 rolled around, he'd locked up the starting spot.
If Harbaugh wants to see D'Alesio succeed, keeping Flott becomes more necessary than a luxury. The fast-rising coach has worked with and developed some impressive names during his young career.
He's worked with players like Justin Reid and Juan Thornhill in Kansas City, and Kyle Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, Alohi Gilman, and Malaki Starks in Baltimore.
There will certainly be a talent drop-off in East Rutherford, but it also provides the perfect opportunity for the young coach to prove himself. That mission becomes a lot easier by re-signing Flott. Harbaugh has laid the groundwork for this to work effortlessly. All they need to do now is stick to the plan.