As things stand, Cor'Dale Flott is set to be the CB2 for the NY Giants this campaign. However, general manager Joe Schoen has spent quite a bit of time trying to add a veteran presence to the position, but he hasn't had much luck.
Earlier in the offseason, Schoen and Co. tried signing both Darious Williams and Tre'Davious White. Both players had interest in the G-Men, but ended up signing with the Los Angeles Rams instead. Per insider Aaron Wilson, Schoen also tried landing CB Steven Nelson, but he has decided to hang up his cleats:
Multiple #NFL teams, including #Texans, #Raiders, #Giants, #Rams, #Commanders #Dolphins made prospective contract offers or serious inquiries about signing Steven Nelson this offseason, according to several general managers and league sources. However, Nelson made the choice to… https://t.co/CHx8zySidW
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) June 9, 2024
The Giants had interest in trying to sign CB Steven Nelson this offseason
Per Wilson, the Giants, Texans, Raiders, Dolphins, Rams and Commanders all had interest in trying to get something done with the defensive back, but he has opted to retire. Nelson spent the first four years of his career with the Chiefs, followed by stints with the Steelers, Eagles and Texans.
This past season for Houston, the 5-11, 195-pounder posted 63 total tackles, 12 pass deflections and four interceptions. Those were some solid numbers from Nelson, which is why so many teams were interested in trying to get a deal done with him. However, he's set on retiring.
For the Giants, Deonte Banks is locked in as the CB1, while Flott, for now, will be on the other side of the field as him. However, with the Giants saving around $11.6 million in cap space with Darren Waller retiring, could it open the door for Schoen to try and get something done with a different cornerback?
That remains to be seen, but CB has clearly been a focus for the front office in recent months. It's disappointing that Schoen hasn't been able to sign anyone with loads of experience - Nelson no question would have been a solid addition for the CBs room. However, Nelson, like Darren Waller, has decided to focus on life after football instead of potentially making plays in East Rutherford.