Big Blue View
The New York Giants enter free agency with plenty of needs throughout their roster. One area that could use an upgrade is cornerback. GM Joe Schoen traded up in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft to select Deonte Banks, who struggled mightily in his second season after a promising first year.
Schoen did select Dru Phillips in the third round of last year’s draft, and the early returns have been glowing for the slot cornerback. However, Cor’Dale Flott is entering the final year of his rookie contract and has shown little development. Tre Hawkins III, Art Green, and Dee Williams are the other three cornerbacks on the roster. Adoree’ Jackson and Greg Stroman are both set to be free agents.
The Giants are projected to have $32.1 million in effective cap space, so they may make a small splash in free agency. Schoen may invest in the corner position, and there are a few players who would immediately upgrade the room, as well as others who would provide valuable depth. Here are five names that fit at least one of these categories.
The Buccaneers traded Davis to the Lions for a third-round pick ahead of the 2024 season. Davis played well opposite rookie first-round selection Terrion Arnold. Davis surrendered a catch on 59.7% of his targets for 583 yards with three touchdowns but intercepted two passes and batted another six away. He was, however, quite grabby, which has been consistent throughout his career — he’s been penalized 56 times.
Davis can play both man and zone coverage. The 28-year-old is 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, and is a solid contributor in run support. He plays with a desired temperament and could assume cornerback one duties if Banks fails to mature. Spotrac has Davis’ market value at three-years, $41.3 million ($13.8 million average annual value).
Davis’ agent is David Mulugheta of Athletes First — the same agent as Jermaine Eluemunor. I’m uncertain if that means anything, but the Giants signed Eluemunor to a fair deal just last off-season. The Giants may be able to find a better deal than the one Davis III lands, but the veteran would likely be the Giants’ number one cornerback if Schoen makes him a target, which is not a great endorsement of the Giants’ current cornerback room.
Reed is a tenacious undersized outside cornerback who is just 5-9, 188 pounds, but he still manages to be a success for every team he’s played for. Reed spent the last three seasons with the New York Jets as a cornerback, and his safeties coach was Marquand Manuel, the Giants’ current secondary coach; that, and the location, are two connections that Reed could have with the Giants. Reed is also represented by Athletes First, David Mulugheta.
Reed allowed just a 58.3% catch rate last season and has a career 59.6% catch rate. The 28-year-old has 22 passes defended and two picks in the previous three seasons with the Jets;...
