Giants 2025 Make or Break: Is this Deonte Banks' last chance to realize his potential?
NFL training camp starts this month, which means players around the league are getting their last bits of offseason work in before the real work of trying to make the roster begins.
For certain players, this season is what some may call "Make or Break," meaning they need to put together a productive year or they could be looking for employment elsewhere at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
We'll highlight some of those players for the Giants, continuing today with cornerback Deonte Banks.
2024 Stats14 games started
52 tackles, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble
12 passes defensed, zero interceptions
Banks put together a solid rookie season in 2023 after getting drafted with the 24th overall pick. Stepping straight into the starting lineup and typically tasked with covering the opposing team's best receiver, Banks held up well and looked like someone with a bright future.
2024 saw him take a step back, though. He was clearly frustrated at times and had lapses of focus throughout the season. Things came to a head in October when he was benched, reportedly due to the coaching staff being unhappy with his effort and attitude.
Banks' struggles were reflected in his coverage numbers, as opposing quarterbacks had a 124.7 rating when targeting his man. That was a full 40 points higher than his rookie season.
If he can't bounce back in year three, the Giants may start looking to move on from Banks. In that scenario, he could be left seeking a prove-it deal on the open market rather than the kind of big money deal a first-rounder would usually expect as they are about to enter their prime.
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (3) enters the field before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium / John Jones - Imagn Images What will break it?The Giants bolstered their secondary during the offseason, including the addition of Paulson Adebo to start across from Banks. This is a move that is clearly designed to help Banks by taking the pressure off him. However, it could also be something that means he no longer has any excuses left if his play is substandard. And it makes it easier for New York to phase him out of the lineup if he doesn't return to form.
Banks lost one of his biggest supporters when secondary coach Jerome Henderson was not retained at the end of the 2024 season. Henderson had reportedly been banging the table for the Giants to draft Banks. This leaves Banks in a position where he needs to win over and prove himself to his new position coach Marquand Manuel.
Banks needs to approach the 2025 season with a more positive outlook. His focus and body language were disappointing at times last year.
What will make it?Surrounding Banks with better personnel in the secondary should have multiple positive effects. He'll be exposed to fewer mismatches, should be involved in fewer blown coverages, and the coaching staff will have more scheme flexibility.
If the Giants can play less zone coverage, Banks will be able to play man to man more often. He seems more comfortable within that role, and it may give him more opportunities to make plays on the ball after an interception-less 2024 campaign.
Drafting Banks and immediately making him a number one cornerback may have been a bridge too far, putting undue pressure on the youngster not to give anything up. He didn't respond well to that situation, or the criticism he received whenever he struggled. Recasting him into a role where he can be the number two cornerback behind Adebo should give him a chance to rebuild his confidence and reputation.
Banks should be motivated to have a big year, which could set him up for a potential contract extension negotiation in 2026. Hopefully some of the veteran leadership they brought in will ensure he maintains that mindset.