With minicamp over and done with, the NY Giants remain busy improving their roster ahead of this season. Big Blue learned recently that veteran tight end Darren Waller will not return in 2024 and will be retiring from the NFL. This move allowed the Giants to gain $11,625,200 in cap space per Over the Cap. Many believed the G-Men would use that extra money to add a veteran defensive back in free agency.
Well, Big Blue has finally landed a veteran cornerback after missing out on Tre'Davious White, Steven Nelson, and Darious Williams this offseason. The Giants added former Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Tre Herndon, who signed a one-year deal worth up to $1.125 million. The seventh-year corner had a tryout with the G-Men and had impressed with an interception for a touchdown.
While bringing in Herndon provides depth to the Giants' secondary and fills a much-needed opening, the veteran's contract will only count for $985,000 against the salary cap, which means the team could make more moves to improve the roster if needed. The G-Men could still pursue another veteran defensive back to help their secondary or any other position they want to upgrade. One name that comes to mind is former All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who would be an excellent fit for Big Blue.
Tre Herndon’s deal with the Giants: 1-year, $1.125M.
— Doug Rush (@TheDougRush) June 14, 2024
Will count for $985K against the salary cap in 2024.
The Giants can still make other moves if needed with the cap space created from Darren Waller’s retirement. pic.twitter.com/UQaBadn5nv
Why does Stephon Gilmore make sense for the Giants?
The five-time Pro Bowler has played with the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, and most recently, the Dallas Cowboys. The 33-year-old DB performed best with the Patriots, winning Defensive Player of the Year and contributing to the team's Super Bowl LIII in 2019.
Although the veteran defensive back is at the back end of his career, many fans wonder where he will play this season. Gilmore can still perform at a high level and should be a valuable asset to a new team in 2024.
The veteran will provide a plethora of experience as a starting cornerback, and Giants fans will welcome Gilmore to New York with open arms, even if it means on a short-term deal. The two-time All-Pro corner could also mentor Deonte Banks, Cor'Dale Flott, and 2024 third-round pick Dru Phillips, a role previously held by Adoree' Jackson.