The New York Giants have been connected to a trade that looks depressing on the surface, but could actually benefit them.
The New York Giants don't really have a whole lot of trade candidates heading into the offseason. It's basically Kayvon Thibodeaux and then crickets.
But the Giants do have another former first-round pick who could get dealt in the coming months: cornerback Deonte Banks.
Banks has been a major disappointment since entering the NFL with New York in 2023, and with John Harbaugh now in charge, you do have to wonder if Banks' time with the Giants may be coming to a close.
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox listed Banks among his top 10 trade candidates this offseason, tabbing him with a fifth-round value.
"With new head coach John Harbaugh kicking off a new era in New York, moving on from Banks could make some sense," Knox wrote. "His trade value wouldn't be particularly high right now, but Harbaugh will want to craft his own roster, and underwhelming players from the previous regime may not fit."
The Giants would save $2.6 million if they moved Banks, and while that may not seem like a lot, every little bit counts for a New York squad that currently has just $6.9 million in cap space with free agency right around the corner.
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.Banks was actually benched for much of 2025. While he played in 16 games, he only participated in 44 percent of Big Blue's defensive snaps. For reference, that number was at 84 and 88 percent, respectively, in each of his first two seasons.
During his time on the field this past year, Banks registered 31 tackles and five passes defended. He also posted a miserable 45.0 coverage grade at Pro Football Focus.
What's more, Banks has not logged an interception since his rookie campaign.
A change of scenery might be best for the 24-year-old, who has terrific size at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds and actually showed some promise early on in 2023.
Landing a fifth-round draft choice in return for a former first-rounder may seem like a light return, but considering how poorly Banks has played the last couple of seasons, the Giants might actually be lucky to net a pick that high in a Banks trade.
We'll see if New York ultimately decides to move on from the University of Maryland product this spring.
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