Giants placing tender on young CB was an easy decision for Joe Schoen

The busy work just doesn't stop for NY Giants general manager Joe Schoen. With the new league year here, it's time for the G-Men to start officially announcing their new signings, while also getting things done with restricted free agents.

That's why Schoen made it a priority to make sure that young cornerback Nick McCloud wasn't going to go anywhere. After spending the past two seasons in East Rutherford, the 6-1, 195-pounder is all set to be back for a third. According to Jordan Raanan, the Giants have tendered the defensive back.

The Giants have tendered cornerback Nick McCloud

Per Raanan, it's a one-year, non-guaranteed deal for $2.99 million since the team tendered him. This may not be the big-time cornerback move that people were waiting on, but this is the right call from the front office. McCloud is about to enter the fourth year of his career and he's used in more ways than one.

On defense, he posted 43 tackles in 2022 for NY and 28 this past season. The DB was also a beast on special teams, flying down the field to make stops. In total, he finished 2023 with the 28 tackles we previously mentioned, plus three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Oh, and let's not forget about this epic interception vs. Washington:

McCloud's work as a gunner on special teams was not only exciting, but something the Giants needed to retain for '24. The fact that he also can give this team valuable snaps at cornerback when his number is called is tremendous.

With Darnay Holmes expected to leave in free agency and the Giants missing out on Darious Williams, keeping McCloud around provides some depth. Jalen Mills having the ability to play CB is a win as well. We'll likely have to wait for the NFL Draft for a stud CB to join the roster, but don't overlook the McCloud decision. It was a no-brainer for the Giants as soon as they could make it happen.