New York Giants' Deonte Banks looking to bounce back from sophomore slump

USA Today

27-05-2025

New York Giants' Deonte Banks looking to bounce back from sophomore slump
The New York Giants added seven new faces to their roster in the 2023 NFL draft, headlined by cornerback Deonte Banks. The 24th overall pick played well in his rookie campaign, recording 64 tackles (53 solo), two interceptions, 11 passes defensed, and two stuffs.
In 2024, Banks hit a sophomore slump, and the stats don't adequately sum up his season.
Banks recorded 52 tackles (39 solo), one forced fumble, 12 passes defensed, and one stuff in 2024, but his attitude was a bigger problem than his lack of production. He seemingly gave up on plays and put forth so little effort that Brian Daboll was forced to bench him last season.
Banks knows he's under scrutiny this year, though, and it is possible to bounce back from a sophomore slump. CBS Sports named Banks as one of nine NFL players looking to bounce back in 2025.
Banks was somewhat solid in coverage during his debut season with the Giants. He allowed a passer rating of 84.7 on throws in his direction, per Pro Football Focus, while yielding 1.35 yards per coverage snap and allowing four touchdowns against two interceptions. In 2024, he allowed more yards in coverage than the previous year despite being targeted 19 fewer times. He gave up a 124.7 passer rating while allowing six touchdowns and not picking off a pass, and he hemorrhaged 1.55 yards per coverage snap. Along with the rest of the Giants, he took a step backward. He'll have a chance to improve in 2025, but heading into the third year of his rookie contract, it might be his last chance to prove he has staying power.
As Banks enters the third year of his contract, the Giants will decide on picking up his fifth-year option when the season is over. He will have to prove that he is in this for the long haul and that he is willing to put in the work day in and day out to get the job done. And he has to do it with a better attitude than what we saw in 2024.
Banks is a solid corner who could be great with a little effort. But he has to be willing to put in the work, which means not giving up on plays. If he can do that, he'll have a much better shot at staying in New York when his rookie contract expires.