With NFL free agency starting next week, general manager Joe Schoen and the New York Giants are expected to be active and look to upgrade at every position after finishing 3-14 last season.
One position the Giants' front office will prioritize in free agency is cornerback. With the team not expected to retain veteran Adoree' Jackson and Deonte Banks not developing the way the Giants may have anticipated, New York will look for an experienced defensive back this offseason.
The Giants' defense only recorded five interceptions last year, which led to changes. This offseason, the Giants hired Marquand Manuel as their new secondary coach and defensive pass game coordinator. The hope is that these changes will positively impact Big Blue's secondary in 2025.
New York has a young secondary with a cornerback room consisting of Banks, Cor'Dale Flott, and Dru Phillips, so adding a veteran defensive back with experience to replace Jackson in free agency would help. Once the free agency window opens, we can expect the Giants to be in the mix for Byron Murphy, Carlton Davis, Charvarius Ward, and DJ Reed.
One player who might make the most sense for the Giants is Los Angeles Chargers cornerback, Kristian Fulton, whom Bradley Locker from Pro Football Focus recently listed as a perfect fit for the G-Men this offseason.
Fulton had a breakout 2024 campaign with the Chargers, compiling a 66.6 PFF coverage grade in addition to a strong 73.1 PFF run-defense grade. The 26-year-old recorded 51 total tackles (39 solo), one interception, and seven passes defended in 15 games.
Although Fulton impressed in his lone season in Los Angeles last year, the Giants may be even more interested in signing him because of his time in Tennessee.
The Giants should reunite Kristian Fulton with Shane Bowen in 2025
Fulton played four seasons with the Titans, including three under Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. The Giants might want to take advantage of Fulton's existing relationship with Bowen and bring the veteran cornerback to New York in 2025.
Fulton was drafted by the Titans with the 61st overall pick in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of LSU. He was a member of the Tigers team that won a National Championship in 2019.
During his time in Nashville, Fulton amassed 150 total tackles (34 solo), one sack, four interceptions, and 25 passes defended. Fulton's best season was in 2021, when he had two interceptions and 14 passes defended, which was also Bowen's first season as defensive coordinator of the Titans.
The Giants utilized Cover 3 on 33.9% of their coverage snaps last season, a scheme Fulton is well-acquainted with. Fulton posted a 44.6 passer rating on Cover 3 plays, ranking eighth in the league last year.
The Giants and Fulton are an excellent match, given the veteran's experience with Cover 3 and his time under Bowen. Schoen should show interest in Fulton call when free agency kicks off next week.