The idea floated by Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report in a post proposing one trade for every NFL team is simple: the New York Giants send 2026 fourth- and sixth-round picks to the Baltimore Ravens for veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey.
On the surface, it makes sense.
Why it works for the Giants
If the Giants are serious about accelerating a build around Jaxson Dart, the defense can’t be an afterthought. The Giants’ cornerback room — Cor’Dale Flott, Paulson Adebo, Andru Phillips, Deonte Banks — has talent, but not a true tone-setter. There’s no proven alpha.
Humphrey, even at 29, still checks that box.
He’s a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-Team All-Pro who has played inside, outside, pressed at the line, and operated in zone-heavy concepts. In 2024, he reminded everyone who he is with six interceptions, 15 pass breakups and First-Team All-Pro honors. Even in a “down” 2025 season by his standards, he still logged:
- 15 games, 15 starts
- Four interceptions
- 13 pass breakups
- 68 total tackles
That’s not washed. That’s still productive.
For a young secondary, his versatility matters as much as his resume. He can line up in the slot on third down, travel with a No. 1 receiver, or serve as the communicator in the back end. That type of chess piece has real value, especially for a defense trying to stabilize.
The concerns for the Giants
The hesitation is obvious: age and salary cap.
Humphrey turns 30 during the 2026 season and is coming off a campaign that didn’t match his 2024 All-Pro peak. Cornerback can be a volatile position year to year, and you don’t want to pay for past production.
But the reported compensation, fourth- and sixth-round picks, reflects that reality. Baltimore would primarily be motivated by cap relief and roster reshaping. You’re not giving up premium draft capital. You’re taking a calculated swing.
The bigger question is timeline.
Are the Giants one veteran cornerback away from competing? Or should they keep stockpiling draft picks and let the secondary grow organically?
Final take
If the cost truly stays at a mid-round pick package, this is the kind of move rebuilding teams should consider.
Humphrey doesn’t have to be 2024 All-Pro Humphrey to justify it. He just has to be steady, versatile and disruptive enough to raise the floor of the defense. His 2025 production suggests he still can.
For a young roster searching for identity, adding a proven playmaker with postseason experience isn’t reckless it’s intentional.
The key is making sure this isn’t nostalgia shopping.
If the Giants believe there’s still high-level football left in Humphrey, this would be a smart, low-risk way to inject credibility into the secondary without sacrificing the future.
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