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Why the Giants declined fifth-year option of cornerback Deonte Banks, and what happens next
TL;DR
The New York Giants declined the fifth-year option for cornerback Deonte Banks after a decline in his performance over three seasons. Banks struggled as a starter, leading to his reduced role and ultimately the decision not to extend his contract.
Key points
- Giants declined fifth-year option for Deonte Banks
- Banks' performance declined over three seasons
- He lost his starting spot after signing Paulson Adebo
- Banks recorded a career-worst passer rating in 2025
- Only six starts in 2025 with limited interceptions
New York GiantsNew Orleans Saints
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NFL teams faced a key decision deadline on May 1: whether or not to pick up the fifth-year option on the rookie contract of their 2023 first-round picks.
Twenty players' options were picked up, two players inked long-term extensions and nine saw their fully guaranteed fifth-year options declined. One player who was told to put up or shut up after their option was declined was New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks. Banks' career has devolved every year in the NFL. As a rookie in 2023, Banks picked off two passes and totaled 11 passes defended along with 64 tackles in 15 games played, all starts. His 2024 season didn't involve any interceptions, but Banks forced his only fumble with 52 tackles in 14 games played all starts.
Then, the Giants took away his starting spot by signing New Orleans Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo to a three-year, $54 million contract with $34.75 million guaranteed in the 2025 offseason while also promoting 2022 third-round pick Cordale Flott to the other outside cornerback spot. Banks played in 16 of 17 games in 2025 with just six starts, and he recorded five passes defended, no interceptions or forced fumbles and 31 tackles. Each season, Banks' passer rating against as the primary defender in coverage worsened, per TruMedia. He posted a 67.5 rating in 2023, a 90.6 rating in 2024 and a career-worst 111.8 rating in 2025. Banks' 111.8 rating in 2025 ranked 206th out the NFL's 208 players with at least 35 passes thrown their way last season.
Why the Giants declined Banks' option and what's next
The fifth-year option is a one-year, fully guaranteed salary for the fifth season of a first-round pick's career. The money their fifth-year option is worth is based on a number of factors including what position they play. If a player receives multiple Pro Bowl selections in their first three years in the league, they will earn a significant amount of money. That fully guaranteed base salary would be equivalent to the franchise tender at their respective position, . If a player makes just one Pro Bowl, they will earn the equivalent of the transition tender at their position. There are two structures -- "playtime" and "basic" -- that also factor into a player's salary.
Q&A
Why did the Giants decline Deonte Banks' fifth-year option?
The Giants declined Deonte Banks' fifth-year option due to his declining performance, including a career-worst passer rating against in 2025.
What were Deonte Banks' statistics in his first three NFL seasons?
In his first three seasons, Banks recorded two interceptions, 11 passes defended, and a total of 64 tackles as a rookie, but his performance worsened each year.
How did the Giants' signing of Paulson Adebo affect Deonte Banks?
The signing of Paulson Adebo led to Banks losing his starting position, as Adebo was brought in to strengthen the cornerback position.
What is Deonte Banks' passer rating against as a primary defender?
Deonte Banks' passer rating against as a primary defender worsened from 67.5 in 2023 to a career-worst 111.8 in 2025.
