The New York Giants didn’t just spend money this offseason — they placed a calculated, high-stakes wager on upside and redemption.
Among the biggest moves was a three-year, $54 million deal for cornerback Paulson Adebo, who’s fresh off a serious leg injury.
The contract includes $38.5 million guaranteed, signaling major belief in Adebo’s talent despite the uncertainty surrounding his recovery.
Still just 25 years old, Adebo carries the kind of untapped potential that front offices love to gamble on if the price fits.
Paulson Adebo, Giants
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Adebo’s game-breaking ability offers real hope
Adebo’s 2023 season gave the Giants enough evidence to believe he could be their long-term answer at outside cornerback.
He allowed a 56.8% completion rate, which isn’t lockdown, but he made up for it with four picks and 11 pass breakups.
That kind of ball production shows his knack for turning defense into offense — something the Giants sorely lacked last year.
He only gave up one touchdown across 17 games, often turning his head and playing the ball aggressively down the field.
There’s still injury risk — but the Giants protected themselves
Adebo’s health is the one shadow looming over this deal, especially considering the significant nature of his leg injury.
The Giants structured the contract with flexibility — they can exit after two years with just $5 million in dead cap.
That financial “out” gives them cover in case Adebo can’t return to form, which makes the deal far less reckless.
It’s a risk, yes, but a calculated one with a potentially massive reward if he returns to his 2023 standard.
Adebo and Banks could form a lethal cornerback duo
Across from Deonte Banks, Adebo doesn’t need to be a shutdown guy — he just needs to be instinctive and disruptive.
While Banks brings physicality and youth, Adebo’s vision and anticipation could give the Giants a complete cornerback tandem.
Both are under 26 years old, giving the Giants a real chance to build long-term chemistry on the back end.
If that duo clicks, opposing quarterbacks might feel like they’re throwing into a maze filled with mirrors and traps.
Paulson Adebo, Giants
Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Cap strategy makes this deal even more intriguing
Adebo’s 2025 cap hit sits at a manageable $11.7 million, and it doesn’t balloon until 2026 when cap space increases.
By then, the Giants will have more financial flexibility, so the timing of this contract fits the long-term spending plan.
And if Adebo hits his stride, the 2027 $19 million gap between market value and actual cost could look genius.
For a team rebuilding its defensive identity, this kind of financial foresight could prove more valuable than any splashy move.
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