Giants choose not to pick up Deonte Banks’ fifth-year option as a new start begins

Deonte Banks’ Contract Status

Deonte Banks will be playing on a contract that leads him into free agency this season.

On the deadline Friday, insiders shared that the Giants opted not to pick up the fifth-year option on Banks’ deal. This option was valued at $12.6 million for 2027; however, Banks will instead receive $2.6 million in 2026 before hitting the open market.

It might actually benefit the Giants to have a more driven Banks, especially since there have been concerns about his tackling throughout his career. Head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Denard Wilson, valuing effort above all, have indicated that he’ll get a “fresh start.”

That said, Banks, who is 25, will have to navigate up the depth chart after holding a significant role for the past three seasons. The Giants invested heavily in cornerback Paulson Adebo and have free agents Greg Newsome II along with rookie Colton Hood vying for positions. Additionally, Jrue Phillips and Ar’Darius Washington are part of the competition too.

“Tae hasn’t necessarily played at his best, and he knows that,” Harbaugh commented after Hood was drafted. “But can he improve? Absolutely. It’s up to us and him to elevate his game. Once he takes that leap, it could really shake things up in the locker room.”

There is some hope around Adebo too; “Can Paulson play better this year? I think so. Let’s aim for that level. He’s a talented veteran in the league, and after the minicamp, I felt he was looking sharp. Tae, too, showed promise.”

Interestingly, Banks was linked to the Ravens before the 2023 draft, who ultimately chose receiver Zay Flowers at pick 22, with the Giants trading up slightly to select Banks two picks later.

Banks had a solid rookie campaign under former coordinator Wink Martindale but struggled in the mixed zone scheme led by Shane Bowen in the following two years. He allowed 71 completions (and nine touchdowns) on 103 targets during that timeframe.

Last season, the Giants shifted Banks to kick return duties, where he averaged 32.7 yards per touchdown, in an effort to make the most of his athletic capabilities. Meanwhile, Cordale Flott’s promotion left Banks watching from the sidelines; Flott has since signed with the Titans.

If the Giants decline the fifth-year option, it’s notable that three of their last four first-round draft picks would include receiver Kadarius Toney (traded to the Chiefs), offensive lineman Evan Neal, and Banks himself.