By Michael Stewart/@TheTruthNYG
New York Giants GM Joe Schoen as expected has released former Pro Bowl cornerback James Bradberry after an unsuccessful attempt to trade him for 2022 or future draft pick. The Giants have now added $10 million to their current cap space and CB2 cornerback Adoree’ Jackson has become the CB1 on the roster. Now the search begins for a new CB2 corner as the Giants have a few candidates, but will Joe Schoen and more importantly DC Don (Wink) Martindale be comfortable having any of the current corners on the roster assume the CB2 role? Or will Joe Schoen look to the free agent market for a more proven commodity at a more affordable price tag? Let’s take a look at the possible options:
In-House Options
- Aaron Robinson: Currently the leading candidate, but is he better suited in the slot?
- Rodarius Williams: Solid man coverage in college, but missed a lot of time in 2021.
- Cordale Flott: Surprise 3rd selection with mixed reviews, needs to add some size.
- Jarren Williams: Finished the 2021 season strong, but can he taken seriously as a CB2 starter?
- Darnay Holmes: Not a chance, Holmes is strictly a slot corner.
Free agent Options
At this point of the season the cupboard appears to be empty in terms of talent and price point at the cornerback position in free agency for the Giants as their in-house options seem more appealing than what is currently still available. I believe GM Joe Schoen will choose a different direction.
Trade Market
This could be more difficult than finding a quality cornerback at a friendly price tag in free agency. Schoen could be comfortable with any of the in-house cornerbacks to handle the CB2 position exclusively or as a group. If not, finding a top tier CB2 in the trade market could cost the Giants more than just cap space as the 2023 draft picks could be off limits.
Players Released/Cut
Every team will be re-assessing their roster from now until the start of training camp and we could see a number of veterans being released and/or cut. Odds are we will see a number of cornerbacks being among those players and perhaps one will interest Joe Schoen as a possible stop gap at the CB2 spot or one who can add needed experience and depth to the position.
Final Thoughts
I expect GM Joe Schoen to keep every option open and also keep one eye on the waiver wire as we move closer to the start of training camp as we will see a high number of veteran players getting released/cut over the next months and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if the Giants starting CB2 isn’t currently on the roster. With their limited cap space whoever they sign would need to be on a team friendly 1-year deal that will allow Schoen to have a larger portion of cap space for the current draft picks.