The New York Giants made major improvements to their secondary this offseason, signing cornerback Paulson Adebo and safety Jevon Holland in free agency.
With Adebo expected to take over as the team’s top cornerback, third-year defender Deonte Banks was projected to slide into the CB2 role. However, that position appears far from guaranteed based on spring practices.
CB2 Role Up for Grabs in New York?
During OTAs, Banks shared reps at the second cornerback spot with fourth-year DB Cor’Dale Flott, according to The Athletic’s Dan Duggan.
“Deonte Banks and Cor’Dale Flott split reps as the starting outside corner opposite Paulson Adebo,” Duggan reported, noting that Banks even spent time with the second-team defense — a surprising sign given his first-round status.
Banks showed promise as a rookie in 2023 but regressed in his second season. Despite expectations that he’d reclaim a CB2 role in 2025, his uneven play may have opened the door for competition.
Flott Making a Push for the Starting Job
Flott, entering the final year of his rookie contract, may be hitting his stride. He posted career-high numbers in 2024, including 53 tackles, seven pass breakups, and two tackles for loss. He also held opposing quarterbacks to just 359 yards and one touchdown in coverage, with a personal-best 89.0 passer rating allowed.
In contrast, Banks gave up 648 yards and six touchdowns last season, allowing a 124.2 passer rating — a steep decline from his promising rookie form.
While Banks still has plenty of upside, the competition with Flott for the CB2 spot could be one of the key storylines of training camp. Based on current trends, the Giants appear open to letting performance—not draft status—determine who lines up opposite Adebo in Week 1.
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