The legal tampering period opened at noon on Monday, meaning NFL teams can officially begin negotiating contracts with free agents. General manager Joe Schoen and the New York Giants wasted no time addressing one of their most significant needs—cornerback.
With veteran Adoree' Jackson likely leaving in free agency and former first-rounder Deonte Banks not developing as the Giants had hoped, New York was in the market for a CB1 to solidify its rebuilding secondary.
The Giants were linked to veteran defensive backs like Byron Murphy, Carlton Davis, Charvarius Ward, and DJ Reed—names many thought Schoen would pursue once free agency opened. There were also talks of Big Blue showing interest in Kristian Fulton, who played under Giants' defensive coordinator Shane Bowen in Tennessee.
Once the tampering period began, the Giants found their guy—former New Orleans Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo. Adebo agreed to a three-year deal with the Giants worth up to $54 million, with $36 million guaranteed.
The Giants had already hired Marquand Manuel as their new secondary coach and defensive pass game coordinator earlier in the offseason, but they still lacked a veteran cornerback to play opposite Banks. Now, adding Adebo has Giants fans excited about the potential of New York's secondary in 2025.
Adebo was one of the most underrated cornerbacks on the market this offseason. He will enter his fifth season in the league after four years in New Orleans. The 25-year-old, a 2021 third-round pick by the Saints, is coming off his best NFL season, posting 52 total tackles (43 solo), three interceptions, and 10 passes defended in seven games.
The biggest concern with Adebo’s signing is that he only played seven games last season due to a broken femur suffered in a 33-10 Week 7 loss against the Denver Broncos. His recovery will be something to monitor for the Giants, but he appears to be progressing well.
Paulson Adebo's post should have Giants fans hyped for 2025
Despite injury concerns, Adebo recently posted a video on his personal X account showcasing his offseason training—including several backflips—which has Giants fans excited about his arrival and long-term potential in East Rutherford.
Adding a player of Adebo's caliber shores up one of the Giants' biggest weaknesses. If he performs anything like he did before his injury—or looks as explosive as he did in that social media post—the Giants got themselves a stud.
Joe Schoen and the Giants weren’t done making moves after signing Adebo. They later added defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris on Monday afternoon, bringing much-needed depth to New York's defensive line. The Giants still need to address right guard, wide receiver, and, most importantly, the quarterback position this offseason.