Giants decline fifth-year option for cornerback Deonte Banks amid performance regression
Following a career-worst passer rating against of 111.8 in 2025, the club has moved to secure its defensive backfield with veteran signings and a late-round draft pick, leaving Banks as a reserve option.
The New York Giants have declined the fully guaranteed fifth-year option for cornerback Deonte Banks, thereby avoiding a salary commitment of $12.633 million for the 2026 season. This decision comes after a significant regression in the 2023 first-round pick's performance over the last three years, prompting the club to restructure its defensive backfield.
Banks' effectiveness as a primary defender has deteriorated steadily, with his passer rating against rising from 67.5 in 2023 to 90.6 in 2024, before reaching a career-worst 111.8 in 2025. In the most recent season, he played in 16 of 17 games with only six starts, recording five passes defended, zero interceptions, and 31 tackles. The 2025 figure ranked 206th out of 208 players in the league who faced at least 35 passes.
To address the position, the Giants have aggressively restocked their cornerback depth ahead of the upcoming season. The club signed veteran Greg Newsome II to a one-year, $8 million contract and selected Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood 37th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. These moves ensure that Banks is no longer required to start, positioning him as a depth option or potential trade asset.
Further strengthening the unit, the franchise signed Paulson Adebo to a three-year, $54 million deal in the 2025 offseason and promoted Cordale Flott to the other outside cornerback spot. This reshuffling effectively moved Banks from a starter role to a reserve position, reflecting the organisation's preference for the new acquisitions over the former high draft pick.
The decision aligns with a broader league trend, as nine players with fully guaranteed fifth-year options saw their deals declined out of 20 eligible candidates on the May 1 deadline. For Banks, the future now hinges on whether he can trade for a late-round pick or remain as a backup before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
