Heading into training camp, the New York Giants defense has garnered plenty of buzz as a potential Top 10 unit in the league. The defensive line and front seven have been the focal points of that attention, surprisingly taking a bit of heat off the rookies, Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart.
It’s not just the defensive front that has people around the league high on the G-Men. Some even believe they could have a top defense—and might be a sleeper team—in 2025. The secondary is a big reason for their potential success. Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus looked at every NFC team’s best offseason decision, and he thought revamping the defensive backfield was New York's best move.
“Lost in the shuffle of the Giants’ quarterback controversy and drafting of third-overall pick Abdul Carter is the fact that they significantly improved their secondary in free agency. New York’s coverage unit was left wounded after Xavier McKinney’s departure last offseason. They’ve remedied that by signing ex-Dolphin Jevon Holland, who is tied for fifth in the NFL in PFF coverage grade since 2021. The Giants also acquired veteran cornerback Paulson Adebo, who earned an 80.5 PFF coverage grade in 2023. With these additions, as well as their outstanding defensive line, the Giants’ defense carries a ton of potential into 2025.“
Overhauling Giants secondary was Schoen's smartest decision of 2025
The Giants’ secondary was ranked 24th-best by PFF and No. 23 by Sharp Football. Former first-round pick Deonte Banks struggled to the point where he was benched mid-season for his performance. The team also cut Nick McCloud mid-season. Overall, the secondary needed a bit of a facelift, especially after losing Xavier McKinney in free agency. Tyler Nubin, drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, played well until he landed on season-ending injured reserve. Nubin still finished second on the team in total tackles with 98 across 13 games.
When free agency began back in March, the primary focus was upgrading the DBs—that’s where most of the money was allocated. Paulson Adebo signed a three-year, $54 million deal with $36 million guaranteed. Jevon Holland was given a three-year, $45 million contract with $30 million guaranteed. Those moves showed just how serious Joe Schoen was about revamping the secondary and turning the unit into a strength.
Big Blue could also use a rebound season from Banks—his third year is a crucial one for his career. Some fans started labeling Banks a bust after last season, so he has a chance to shed that label with a stronger performance in Year 3. If Banks can step up alongside Adebo, Holland, Nubin, and second-year slot corner Dru Phillips, the Giants could field a solid secondary capable of competing with the top receivers in the NFC East.
That potential in the secondary, combined with a pass rush led by Dexter Lawrence—ranked the No. 1 interior lineman in ESPN’s positional rankings—alongside Carter, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Brian Burns, plus the linebacker duo of Bobby Okereke and Micah McFadden, gives the defense real possibilities heading into 2025.