Major-Breaking: Giants’ Free Agent $54M Signing Labeled ‘Most Underrated Move’ of Offseason

The New York Giants will need several things to fall into place to make a serious playoff push in 2025 — and if that happens, one of the biggest reasons may be a move that flew under the radar: the signing of cornerback Paulson Adebo.

On June 26, ESPN Giants reporter Jordan Raanan called Adebo’s addition the “most underrated move” of New York’s offseason. “He’s not a big name,” Raanan noted, “but Adebo gives the Giants a proven corner — something they lacked last year, and it cost them dearly.” With 2023 first-rounder Deonte Banks forced into the No. 1 CB role too early, the Giants struggled mightily in coverage.

Adebo’s presence allows Banks to shift into a more suitable role, with Cor’Dale Flott providing additional flexibility if needed. Raanan concluded that with Adebo and fellow free agent Jevon Holland in the secondary, the Giants have made much-needed improvements to handle the NFC East’s elite receivers.

One of the most promising signs out of spring practices was Adebo’s full participation after recovering from a 2024 broken femur. Giants beat writer Art Stapleton listed Adebo among his “risers” coming out of minicamp, praising his consistent presence and noting the team sees him as a key long-term piece in the defensive backfield.

Paulson Adebo

Analyst Damian Parson of Bleacher Report also highlighted Adebo as one of the top steals from the 2021 NFL Draft. While his first two seasons were rocky, surrendering over 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns, his performance over the past two years showed dramatic improvement. In 2023 alone, despite leading the league in targets before going on IR, he posted a league-best -23.6 EPA when targeted and allowed a passer rating of just 62.4.

Now signed to a \$54 million contract, Adebo brings elite ball skills, seven interceptions over the last two seasons, and the kind of grit the Giants’ secondary has lacked. If he plays up to expectations, Adebo could be one of the team’s most impactful defensive additions — and a major reason why New York’s defense may finally turn the corner in 2025.