It feels like just yesterday the New York Giants traded up one whole spot with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2023 Draft to select Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks. General manager Joe Schoen moved the 25th pick, 160th pick, and 240th pick to northern Florida for the 24th-overall selection, all in an effort to shore up a secondary that needed all the help it could get.
Well, you know what they say about drafting for need over best available player: don’t do it. So, yeah — two-plus seasons later, and things haven’t worked out the way either party would’ve liked. After a promising rookie season, Banks fell flat in Year 2. Coverage struggles became routine, as did questions about his effort, which led to an offseason position battle with Cor’Dale Flott heading into 2025.
Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen was cycling between the two consistently through the first four weeks of the season. But after seeing just nine corner snaps from Banks over the last two games, it’s safe to say Flott has officially won that battle. And with Big Blue finally showing signs of moving on from their failed first-round pick, it’s officially change-of-scenery time.
Cor’Dale Flott might’ve formally pushed Deonte Banks to the trade block
The G-Men clearly liked Banks enough to trade up for him, but he just hasn’t put it together in New York. Pro Football Focus paints the 24-year-old in a real bad light — a 45.2 overall grade (ranking 151st out of 171 eligible corners) and a brutal 43.8 coverage grade, ranking 146th.
The eye test clearly shows a player who could use a new start elsewhere.
Banks was burned on a double-move touchdown by Chargers wideout Quentin Johnston in Week 4. And the following week, he was flagged for a 25-yard defensive pass interference while trying to cover Saints receiver Chris Olave. It hasn’t been pretty.
Schoen just restructured Paulson Adebo and Jevón Holland’s contracts to free up around $4.8 million in cap space ahead of the November 4 trade deadline. That’s not accidental — especially with reports that New York is sniffing around the receiver market to bolster the playmaking group for rookie QB sensation Jaxson Dart.
Banks is still young and talented enough to interest other teams. Don't be surprised if another front office convinces itself it can unlock his potential. With his first-round pedigree, he could be viewed as a valuable piece in a trade package — particularly if Schoen is eyeing a big-name receiver. Names like Olave, Jakobi Meyers, and Jaylen Waddle have floated around.
One thing’s for sure: Cor’Dale Flott has all but erased Banks’ job security in East Rutherford. If the Giants want upgrades elsewhere, don’t be surprised if No. 2 is packing his bags before Halloween.