The New York Giants selected cornerback Deonte Banks in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but one writer believes the Maryland product could be fighting for his job as he enters his third year in the league. Following a relatively promising rookie year, Banks struggled throughout the 2024 season. Starting and appearing in 14 games, Banks finished the year with no interceptions, 12 passes defended, one forced fumble, and an ugly 50.9 PFF grade, the 108th-best mark out of 116 eligible players.
While Deonte Banks never lost his starting job through his first two years with the Giants, that could change in Year 3. Cor’Dale Flott is reportedly challenging Banks for the CB2 position opposite free agent signee Paulson Adebo and could win the job. If that happens, Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton believes the team could trade Banks to the highest bidder before the season kicks off.
Deonte Banks looks like a bust right now, and nobody will give up too much for the Giants former first-round pick. However, there aren’t enough good cornerbacks to go around, and one of the following three teams could take a gamble on Banks while he’s still on a relatively cheap rookie contract.
Giants Could Trade First-Round Pick Deonte Banks
Next Teams
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers probably won’t win the Super Bowl in 2025, but they have the pieces to compete in a relatively weak NFC South. While their season hinges on Bryce Young building on his strong finish to the 2024 season, the defense added several key playmakers throughout the offseason. While the front seven will be better in 2025, they could use another cornerback. Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson are a solid duo, but Deonte Banks offers some intriguing upside. Horn and Jackson’s presence means Banks won’t have to start, and playing a depth role could be the best thing for him at this stage in his career.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have a good roster, but there’s some room for improvement here. Fifth-round pick Tarheeb Still came out of nowhere to establish himself as a legitimate starter last year, but the rest of the depth chart leaves something to be desired. With most of the sure things already spoken for, the Chargers could try to trade for Deonte Banks if the Giants make him available. Head coach Jim Harbaugh excels at getting the best out of talented players, so perhaps a change of scenery could revive Banks’ career.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints spent the better part of the decade kicking the can down the line, and the bill has finally come due. Entering the year with one of the worst rosters in the NFL and limited financial resources, the Saints must get creative to build a competitive unit. This means buying low on players with decent ceilings, and Deonte Banks could be the perfect fit if the Giants are willing to let him go. While the Saints shouldn’t give up a high draft pick for him, he’s well worth a late-round pick swap.
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