The New York Giants will decide on Deonte Banks' fifth-year option after the draft, with a deadline of May 1. The projected option for 2027 is $12.633 million, but the team may decline due to his limited role.
Key points
Giants have until May 1 to decide on Banks' option
Fifth-year option projected at $12.633 million
Decision may be influenced by Banks' limited role
Banks has been relegated to backup duty
He serves as a returner on special teams
New York GiantsDeonte Banks
Giants will decide on Deonte Banks' fifth-year option after the draft
The New York Giants have until May 1 to decide whether or not to exercise the fifth-year option of cornerback Deonte Banks, their 2023 first-round draft pick. So far, they haven't acted.
Why are they dragging their feet on what many see as a very clear-cut decision?
The projected fifth-year option for Banks in 2027 is $12.633 million, fully guaranteed if the Giants choose to exercise it. For a player who has basically busted and has been relegated to backup duty at corner and a returner on special teams, the Giants have no other recourse but to decline.
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Q&A
What is the deadline for the Giants to decide on Deonte Banks' fifth-year option?
The deadline for the Giants to decide on Deonte Banks' fifth-year option is May 1.
How much is Deonte Banks' projected fifth-year option worth?
Deonte Banks' projected fifth-year option for 2027 is worth $12.633 million, fully guaranteed.
Why might the Giants decline Deonte Banks' fifth-year option?
The Giants may decline Deonte Banks' fifth-year option due to his limited performance, having been relegated to backup duty and special teams.
When was Deonte Banks drafted by the Giants?
Deonte Banks was drafted by the Giants in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
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"We're going to talk about that early next week," Giants general manager Joe Schoen said when probed about Banks' option on Friday night.
The reason for the delay is that new head coach John Harbaugh and his staff are giving everyone in the building a clean slate. That includes Banks, who at one point in his young career had his lackluster play and dedication to the job questioned by coaches.
"There's guys in there with opportunities," added Harbaugh. "I'm looking at Tae. He hasn't played that great, he'll tell you that. But is he capable of playing a lot better? I think he is. That's on us and on him to get him to play better. So, imagine if he takes this step and what does that do for the room? "
The Giants might be giving Banks, who they reportedly were willing to trade this offseason (and may still be), a second bite at the apple, but not for $12 million. Banks will have to earn this one the old-fashioned way.
