In less than 24 hours, the Giants added two best defensive backs.
They are both 25 years old and should both be on Prime.
Safety Jevon Holland and cornerback Paulson Adebo enter a room with three starters in all secondary under the age of 24.
If this fusion of youth and talent is legal, the Giants will be set up as the backend of their defense for years to come.
“It's a recipe for excellence,” Holland said Thursday. “It's a group of people who build each other, create a community for each other and become dependent on each other when we're on the field. Communication makes the defense flow smoothly. Knowing who they're playing with and easy to communicate makes the job much easier so that we can know the guy next to me. I think it helps us to fly around and play and be free on the field.”
The Netherlands arrived from the dolphins on a three-year contract worth $45.3 million.
Adebo came from the Saints on a three-year contract worth $54 million. Both met a great need.
The Giants struggled to find a legitimate second cornerback last season, and were on the line with Deonte Banks. The Giants wanted to upgrade at one safety spot, but did not chase Jason Pinnock, who left for the 49ers to a free agency.
The 24-year-old bank needs to pick up his performance and effort.
Two 2024 draft options, Safety Tyler Nubin, 23, and cornerback Dru Phillips, 23, were their second and third picks, respectively.
Phillips graded as one of the NFL's top slot corners, and Nubin was second in tackle at 98 despite missing the final four games with an ankle injury.
As such, the Giants have a young nucleus in the defensive backfield. The Netherlands have 57 career starts, while Adebo has 51. So they are around and know what to expect.
“Yeah, absolutely,” Adebo said. “Whenever you can come and bring experiences, it's great. I have some experiences. So, if I know anything, I'm very happy to be able to share that knowledge, share that wisdom, and learn at the same time. Enter a new organization and see how things are done and adapt accordingly.”
Both newcomers will see friendly faces in the new locker room.
Adebo is a college teammate of Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke, who said, “I called him like my OG when I came to Stanford. We have a really good relationship. We're hanging out. We're talking about football. Tell me how to make yourself better on the field. It was a good relationship that I came into this organization.”
The Netherlands were in Oregon with Cavontibodeau from Edge Rush. He pressed a full court and took the Netherlands to the Giants with a barrage of texts and phone calls.
“It's going to be fun,” Holland said. “Every time we're around each other, it always makes me laugh. I'm really looking forward to running it.”
The day after re-signing Greg Van Roten, the Giants brought back another veteran security guard, Aaron Stinney. Stinnie, 31, is a seven-year NFL veteran. He started three games for the Giants in 2024.
