3 Free Agents the Giants Should Still Sign Before the Draft

Steven Nelson, CB, Houston Texans

The Giants are in need of a No. 2 perimeter cornerback to fill a starting slot along with rising sophomore star Deonte Banks. Their sixth-round selection last year, Tre Hawkins III, has some potential in him but might need an extra year behind a veteran and Adoree Jackson has not found himself a new home for the 2024 season. 

Resigning Jackson wouldn’t be the worst option for the team to maintain some consistency in the secondary. However, if they wanted to shift towards a better, more reliable option than Houston’s Steven Nelson is one of the best choices they can explore. 

An eight-year pro, Nelson has been one of the staple pieces on the Texans defense but is still on the open market as the team prioritizes building their offense to compete in the AFC. In 32 games for the team, he amassed 115 tackles, one sack, five interceptions, two forced fumbles and nine pass deflections. He has had six seasons of at least 50 tackles and been one of the best corners in the entire league at picking off the pass with 13 career snags.

Last year, Nelson had 63 total tackles (48 solo) and four interceptions to lead all Texans’ cornerbacks and finish fifth on the team defensive leaderboard. The veteran hasn’t missed more than two games since his third season in the NFL, a feat Jackson hasn’t had since his first two years with the Titans. 

Nelson could be signed to a two-year deal at a market value between $4-5 million according to Spotrac. That would ensure the Giants pair Banks up with another experienced ballhawk who can form a vertical threatening duo for opposing offenses. 

It would also continue the trend of having a good turnover unit, as the Giants were third in interceptions forced and 10 in passing touchdowns allowed thanks to the prowess of their secondary. Nelson had a sub-60 percent opponent reception percentage last season, deflected six passes, which helped his interception total, and was responsible for only one touchdown to be a premier endzone defender for the Texans in their playoff run. 

There’s a chance the Giants add a cornerback in the draft to add more depth to a position group that is young and has had annual dances with the injury devil. Out of all the positions that are still a need, it makes a lot of sense to snag a veteran cornerback to fill Jackson’s place in a young core. 

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