This wasn't necessarily the cornerback move that NY Giants fans were hoping to see out of Joe Schoen, but that doesn't mean that it's not a solid one. Following the NFL Draft, CB depth was needed and that's what arrived with the latest NY signing.
The team has announced that they've agreed to terms with veteran DB David Long Jr. The 5-11, 195-pounder was a third-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams back in 2019. He spent the first four years of his career with the NFC West side before suiting up for the Raiders, Packers and Panthers last season.
We have signed veteran DB David Long Jr.
— New York Giants (@Giants) May 1, 2024
Details: https://t.co/1jpeNsyoEH pic.twitter.com/28Kofe0vkT
The NY Giants have signed veteran CB David Long Jr. to a one-year deal
Long is getting ready for Year 6 in the NFL and he'll hope to lock in a roster spot with the Giants once Week 1 gets here. He's got plenty of experience under his belt, as the veteran has appeared in 66 games in his career, with 12 starts to his name.
Long's best year came in 2021 with the Rams, as he appeared in 16 games, with five starts. That fall and winter, he posted 40 total tackles, four pass deflections and one interception. He was also able to win a Super Bowl while with Los Angeles, starting the February 2022 showdown against the Bengals.
With Long now in the fold, keep in mind that he could make an impact on special teams as well. For the secondary, though, he could provide meaningful snaps on the outside. Deonte Banks is locked in as the CB1, but it's up in the air who will be the CB2 for defensive coordinator Shane Bowen.
When Schoen used his third-round pick on Andru Phillips, the belief was that he'd be on the outside, but the Giants plan to line him up at slot early on. Cor'Dale Flott could be the one to start on the opposite side of the field from Banks, but that hasn't been decided yet. If he does, having someone with the kind of experience as Long behind him could prove to be solid for the G-Men.