{"id":880256,"date":"2026-05-02T07:24:19","date_gmt":"2026-05-02T07:24:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/880256\/"},"modified":"2026-05-02T07:24:19","modified_gmt":"2026-05-02T07:24:19","slug":"new-york-giants-decline-fifth-year-option-on-deonte-banks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/880256\/","title":{"rendered":"New York Giants decline fifth-year option on Deonte Banks"},"content":{"rendered":"

May 1, 2026, 5:15 p.m. ET<\/p>\n

The New York Giants<\/a> have declined the fifth-year option on cornerback Deonte Banks, their 2023 first-round draft pick.<\/p>\n

The decision, which was due by Friday’s deadline, follows an evaluation of Banks’ performance against the projected $12.633 million fully guaranteed salary<\/a> for the 2027 season.<\/p>\n

Selected 24th overall out of Maryland, Banks has yet to develop into a consistent NFL starter. Advanced metrics from 2025 revealed the Giants’ defense performed dramatically worse with him on the field<\/a>, ranking last in the league in EPA per play during his snaps.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Banks also received the lowest Pro Football Focus grade among qualifying cornerbacks over his first three seasons.<\/p>\n

While Banks showed promise as a kick returner, averaging 32.7 yards per return and scoring a 95-yard touchdown, his defensive shortcomings led to reduced playing time.<\/p>\n

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n

Incoming head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson had extended a “clean slate<\/a>” this offseason, aiming to simplify schemes and maximize his physical abilities.<\/p>\n

“I know Banks. I remember evaluating him coming out. He’s a Maryland Terp and I’m a Maryland Terp. I had just a little bit of background with him. He’s a talented player. He’s big. He can run. He brings an element of physicality, but he’s had an up-and-down career thus far,” Wilson said in April.<\/p>\n

“For us, it\u2019s coming in with a clean slate. That’s everybody on this defense. No matter what has been done in the past, where they were drafted, how they were acquired, we’re coming in here as a clean slate, we\u2019re trying to evaluate the players, see what they do well, and we’re trying to teach them our way of football.”<\/p>\n

By declining the option, the Giants gain roster flexibility as they continue reshaping their secondary. Banks will now compete for a spot in 2026 on a prove-it basis.<\/p>\n

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