The New York Giants kicked off their free agency with a pair of strong defensive backs in corner Paulson Adebo and safety Jevon Holland. In doing so, they injected athleticism and ball skills into a unit that desperately needed it.
Finally, a pass rush that grew even more potent in the offseason has a back seven worthy of sharing the field. With improvements under center, the Giants could feasibly play meaningful late-season games. New York spent far more resources on its defense than its offense, which will see one new starter in 2025, quarterback Russell Wilson.
Even so, the second cornerback spot remains a poor one. Deonte Banks struggled in his lead role a season ago, battling top receivers and his own fluctuations in competitive toughness. A step back in responsibility, and not playing time, should suit him well. But it remains a risk for a defense banking on his development.
That led some to speculate about recently released Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander. However, the Giants are priced out of his market.
With just shy of $4 million in cap space, New York has little room for additions (per Over the Cap). It can restructure defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence or offensive tackle Andrew Thomas to clear a combined $22 million in cap space, but no adjustment feels imminent.
Alexander, even as a late entry to free agency, is likely to earn far more than $4 million. He’s coming off a four-year, $84 million deal and generally looks like a player of that caliber. Alexander logged five interceptions and 14 passes defended in 2022 and found another two picks and seven passes defended in 2024, despite playing in just seven games.
The biggest problem for Alexander has been his missed time. He appeared in just seven games in both 2023 and 2024. In 2021, he played in just four contests.
As a free agent, Alexander shouldn’t have a shortage of suitors, either. Plenty of playoff-bound teams have the money to spend late in the offseason. The Philadelphia Eagles, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, and San Francisco 49ers all have plenty of cap space to work with, although they may not be interested in his services.
Between Banks’ draft capital, the Giants’ limited cap space, and how many other teams offer more enticing landing spots, Alexander isn’t a strong bet to land in East Rutherford.