This latest analysis should have Big Blue Nation feeling even better about the team’s pricey $54 million investment.
The departures and additions in the secondary signaled a shift. With Adoree’ Jackson heading down to Philly and Jevon Holland arriving alongside Adebo, Big Blue reset the tone on the back end. It’s a new era for a defense that needed one.
The New York Giants made a statement this offseason by signing Paulson Adebo to a three-year deal with $38.5 million guaranteed. It was an aggressive move for a cornerback coming off a season-ending injury, but New York believed his physicality and instincts would translate well in defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s scheme. Turns out, they were probably right.
According to Pro Football Focus’ John Kosko, Adebo was one of the most frequently targeted corners in football last season. That typically sounds like a red flag — until you look at what happened once the ball came his way... especially when the moments were brightest.
Paulson Adebo proves he’s built for third downs and the red zone
Kosko noted that Adebo was targeted on nearly 22% of his coverage snaps, which ranked second in the league. That figure jumps to 22.46% on the outside, where he spent more than 90% of his time. The volume was high, but so was the resistance.
On early downs, Adebo gave up completions at a 70.7% clip. Certainly not ideal, but hardly back-breaking. Once the field shrunk or the stakes got tighter, though, he flipped the switch.
On late downs, Adebo allowed just 5 receptions on 16 targets — a 31.3% completion rate, leading all corners with at least 56 coverage snaps. And in the red zone, he allowed only one catch on seven targets... also leading all corners with a minimum of 29 snaps.
Adebo’s physical style fits the mold of what Bowen wants from his corners. He’s aggressive at the line, doesn’t shy from contact, and reads route combinations well.
His instincts show up more as the pressure ramps, which is why his late-down metrics pop. In the past two seasons, he has forced 32 incompletions, a figure that helped drive New York’s decision to make him their premier free-agency signing.
The contract reflects belief in both his recovery and his ceiling. A three-year, $54 million deal with over $38 million fully guaranteed signals a cornerstone investment by the G-Men. The Giants aren’t expecting him to ease in. They’re counting on him to deliver from Day 1, which could be a lot for a guy coming off a broken femur.
In a division loaded with offensive weapons all over the field, having a corner who performs when it actually matters is more necessity than luxury. Kosko’s analysis suggests Adebo delivers when it matters most, and that's exactly what the doctor ordered.