Giants Coach Hints at Cornerback Competition

The New York Giants spent the offseason giving the defense a facelift. In the opening days of free agency, they signed corner Paulson Adebo and safety Jevon Holland to three-year deals, remodeling a secondary that couldn’t generate turnovers in 2024.

In the NFL Draft, New York doubled down on defense, drafting edge rusher Abdul Carter with the No. 3 pick and defensive tackle Darius Alexander in the third round. In turn, general manager Joe Schoen’s defense is nearly complete. His defensive line is among the league’s elite and his secondary is capable of taking advantage of that prowess.

The Giants’ biggest question on defense now resides at that second boundary corner spot, where Deonte Banks will hope to make up ground in Year 3. However, his job isn’t necessarily security, as head coach Brian Daboll hinted at a cornerback competition while speaking at minicamp.

“I would say that we'll find out who the starters are at the end of training camp,” Daboll told reporters on Wednesday. “Guys are getting different reps against different people, not just in that spot, in different areas as well. And we'll give everybody an opportunity to earn their role.”

Banks’ main competition looks to be Cor’Dale Flott, who New York has asked to play both perimeter and slot corner in recent seasons. Neither played particularly well in 2024 – Banks struggled mightily at times – but both stand to benefit from the offseason additions.

Holland’s coverage skills add another layer of security over the top, Adebo allows them to take on opposing teams’ second option, and the pass rush should put them in positions to win.

“I'd say there's a number of spots open, I'm not going to get into specific stuff,” he added. “We think a lot of Deonte, we think a lot of Flott. They both produced for us in a number of different ways and they both deserve an opportunity to compete.”

That opportunity starts in late July when training gives the staff an opportunity to get an extended look at its roster battles. Banks’ effort questions stained his season, and his struggles against top receivers were a significant hurdle. Flott offers a lower ceiling, but seemingly a higher floor, although Banks’ draft capital likely provides a leg up in this competition.

Daboll insisted the decision will be merit-based,

“Again, there's open competition in a lot of spots and we'll give everybody an opportunity to earn the role,” he said. “Whoever earns it will be the ones that play.”