The New York Giants have failed to field an above-average pass defense in each of the last four seasons. Despite investing heavily in their pass rush, the G-Men still haven't been able to put a complete unit together. Deficiencies in the secondary have been the main culprit.
General manager Joe Schoen isn't blind to the problem. He has poured plenty of resources into the defensive secondary in recent years. Cornerback Paulson Adebo has been the most costly addition to the group, signing a three-year, $54 million deal with the Giants last offseason.
It's only been one year, but the deal is already starting to look like an overpay. Adebo wasn't the lockdown cornerback New York was hoping to get in 2025. If ha doesn't turn things around this season, the Giants could be facing the same problem that has plagued them for years.
Giants' Paulson Adebo contract is already aging poorly
Before joining Big Blue, Adebo posted back-to-back strong seasons with the New Orleans Saints. Between 2023 and 2024, the 26-year-old posted seven interceptions and 18 pass break-ups. He didn't allow a passer rating of more than 70 in either season. While it led to more than a few penalties, his physical style of coverage proved difficult for receivers to beat.
It was no surprise when he hit free agency as one of the top cornerbacks on the market. After signing with the Giants, he was expected to help finally form a solid secondary in New York.
Instead, Adebo took a major step backward in his first season with Big Blue. He produced just one interception and allowed a passer rating of 92. The veteran was competent in coverage, but he didn't come close to living up to his $54 million price tag.
The Giants remained below-average on defense despite their major investments. Adebo wasn't the only player at fault, but he certainly didn't help fix the problem.
Entering the second year of his contract, the cornerback is hoping to return to the level of performance he showed in New Orleans. Adebo will start for the Giants once again, lining up opposite the winner of the ongoing second cornerback competition.
If he puts on another mediocre season, Adebo will quickly be labled as a swing and miss in free agency. The Giants need him to produce above-average cornerback play at the very least if they're going to take the next step on defense.
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