Paulson Adebo signing is biggest reason the Giants should be better at this position
The New York Giants did not have a No. 1 cornerback capable of matching up with the best receiver on opposing teams in 2024. They did not have enough playmakers, or at least did not make enough plays as Giants cornerbacks intercepted only three passes in 2024. Their highest-graded cornerback in terms of passer rating against — Cor’Dale Flott with a 90.0, per Pro Football Focus — was 48th among 127 qualifiers.
The Giants replaced defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson with Marquand Manuel during the offseason.
Will the Giants be better or worse at cornerback in 2025?
Key additions: Paulson Adebo, Korie Black
Key losses: Adoree’ Jackson
The roster
Paulson Adebo, Deonte Banks, Korie Black, Cor’Dale Flott, O’Donnell Fortune, Art Green, Tre Hawkins III, Nic Jones, TJ Moore, Dru Phillips, Dee Williams
Why they could be better
This comes down to a simple reality. In 2024, the Giants tried to make 2023 first-round pick Deonte Banks their CB1, only to find out that he wasn’t ready for the responsibility. A year later, Banks won’t be asked to be CB1 and is, in fact, the biggest question mark for the Giants at the position.
The Giants needed to make an offseason splash at cornerback and did so by signing Paulson Adebo to a three-year, $54 million contract ($34.75 million guaranteed).
A 2021 third-round pick by the New Orleans Saints, Adebo had ascended to the CB1 role in New Orleans last season before a broken leg ended his season after seven games. In that time, Adebo tied the full season total for Giants cornerback in 2024 with 3 interceptions and has a 71.9 passer rating against. Adebo has 7 interceptions in his last 22 games.
Adebo, who will be 26 this season, has not been a player who shadows the opposing teams best receiver. He played 374 snaps at left cornerback a year ago, and only seven on the right side.
That works with Banks, though. The former Maryland Terrapin is more comfortable on the right side. In two years, Banks has played 1,044 snaps on the right side and 384 on the left.
Dru Phillips, a third-round pick in 2024, established himself as a quality slot cornerback as a rookie. He compiled a 91.9 passer rating against, and his run defense and physicality were a plus for the defense. He should be even better in his second season.
The presence of Adebo and Phillips puts Cor’Dale Flott, a 2022 third-round pick, into the fourth cornerback role. Flott, who will still be only 24 years old this season, has had some success both at outside cornerback and in the slot. He profiles as a good first cornerback off the bench.
The roster could be rounded out by 2023 sixth-round pick Tre Hawkins and 2025 seventh-round pick Korie Black.
More coverage
- Better or worse in 2025? Giants inside linebackers
- Better or worse in 2025? New York Giants defensive line
- Better or worse in 2025? New York Giants quarterbacks
- Better or worse in 2025? New York Giants wide receivers
- Better or worse in 2025? New York Giants running backs
- Better or worse in 2025? New York Giants tight ends
- Better or worse? New York Giants offensive line
Why they could be worse
Maybe Adebo doesn’t look like the player the Giants are paying for. Maybe Banks doesn’t show added maturity and bounce back from an unexpectedly difficult 2024 season.
Final thoughts
I can’t imagine Giants’ cornerbacks getting through another season with only 3 interceptions.
I loved the Adebo signing. He was the youngest of the top cornerbacks available on the free agent market and, while he might not have the resume, he does have the most upside.
I think Banks, without the pressure of being CB1 and with a year for he and defensive coordinator Shane Bowen to gain comfort with each other, will be better.
I think Phillips should continue to ascend, and that Flott is a versatile, capable CB4. I also like the fact that there are potentially two other young, drafted players as depth pieces in Hawkins and Black.
