The New York Giants didn’t just address their secondary this offseason—they made a strategic upgrade with both long-term goals and cap flexibility in mind.
Their first big move was signing 25-year-old cornerback Paulson Adebo from the New Orleans Saints. Despite suffering a leg fracture last season, Adebo is nearly back to full health, and the Giants are confident he’s ready to take on the CB1 role.
Before his injury, Adebo was quietly having a strong season. Over 436 defensive snaps, he allowed just 428 receiving yards and one touchdown, while recording three interceptions and seven pass breakups. His ability to disrupt passing lanes and find the football was evident.
Across his first three seasons, Adebo has amassed 10 interceptions, showcasing his aggressive mindset and sharp instincts in man coverage. This made the Giants comfortable offering him a three-year, $54 million deal with $38.5 million guaranteed.
A Smart, Flexible Deal for Adebo
Adebo’s contract structure is designed for flexibility and value. In 2025, his cap hit is just $11.7 million, giving the Giants room to allocate funds elsewhere. By 2026, the cap hit rises to $23 million—timed for when New York expects more cap space. If things don’t work out, they can move on after two seasons with just $5 million in dead cap. If Adebo performs well, they’ll have a top-tier starter at just 28 years old for a manageable $19 million cap hit in 2027.
The best part? This signing allows Deonte Banks to shift into a CB2 role, where he can regain his confidence after a tough rookie season.
Jevon Holland Adds Stability at Free Safety
The Giants didn’t stop at cornerback—they further strengthened their secondary by signing Jevon Holland, one of the league’s most dynamic young safeties. Holland joined the team on a three-year, $45.3 million deal, with $30.3 million guaranteed.
Holland’s contract carries a cap hit of $9.94 million in 2025, followed by $17.5 million in 2026. Like Adebo’s deal, the Giants have a clean exit option after two seasons with only $4 million in dead money. If Holland returns to form, he’ll remain with the Giants through 2027 at just $17.8 million—a win for both sides.
Holland Poised for a Bounce-Back Season
While 2024 wasn’t Holland’s best year—he allowed 302 yards and three touchdowns in coverage, along with just three pass breakups—it’s worth noting that the Miami Dolphins’ defense as a whole struggled, and Holland, like many, was caught in that turmoil. He also dealt with an injury. Despite the dip in production, Holland played 854 snaps and held his own against the run. He remains a solid tackler with great football IQ and excellent range.
With Tyler Nubin likely transitioning to a more hybrid or strong safety role, the Giants now have a versatile and youthful safety duo—one that combines upside, experience, and stability.
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