The New York Giants made their second splash in free agency last week, signing former first-round pick Adoree’ Jackson to a three-year, $39 million deal, with a max value of $44.5 million. New York made a great signing at the cornerback position last year, inking Pro-Bowler James Bradberry to a three-year deal as well. While Bradberry proved to be one of the best at his position, the problems arose on the other side of the field. The Giants had a turnstile at the second cornerback spot, rotating from players like Corey Ballentine to Isaac Yiadom. Adding in Jackson, who is one of the best cornerbacks when healthy, now completes the Giants secondary overhaul.
New York Giants Secondary Overhaul Completed With Addition of Adoree’ Jackson
A Look Back at 2019
The Giants had arguably one of the NFL’s worst pass defenses just two years ago. With names like Antoine Bethea, Antonio Hamilton, Grant Haley and others, this unit was touch to watch. The defense as a whole was atrocious that year, but every fan agrees that Big Blue had a very bad pass defense.
They allowed 237.9 passing yards per game and a 67.6% completion rate in 2019, a below average unit at best.
Adoree’ Jackson Brings Even More Energy
The current Giants secondary is a fun group to watch. With names like James Bradberry, Logan Ryan and Jabrill Peppers, the defense is never short of energy. Adoree’ Jackson totaled 200 tackles, 33 passes defensed, two interceptions and six tackles for loss in four seasons with the Tennessee Titans. He also has a career 68.2% completion rate.
Jackson missed most of last season with a knee injury, but that did not stop the Giants from seriously engaging in talks with him. Logan Ryan, a teammate of Jackson’s in Tennessee, vouched for the team to sign the young cornerback.
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“We got a special athlete who is going to give it his all,” Ryan said to the New York Post. “It matters to Adoree’ to feel accepted and put on a good product. He’s not a guy who is going to chill after he signs a deal. He does back flips and has a great energy, and I think the fans will love him.”
“You have to have a big personality to play DB. You have to be confident in who you are,” Ryan said. “I don’t think we are selling any fake goods here. We are telling every player who comes to New York: You are going to have to work for it. It’s not easy going here.”
Jackson’s Versatility
The other intriguing part of Jackson’s game other than covering wide receivers, is his ability to add value in the return game. Since entering the league, Jackson has 464 punt return yards and 601 kick return yards. His kick return opportunities went down since 2018, and had no return duties at all in 2020. His return ability dates all the way back to his college days, so if the Giants believe he can be their full time return-man, that would hopefully end a cold streak of returners over the past few seasons.
Final Word on the New York Giants Secondary
The Giants signing of Adoree’ Jackson was one that many fans did not expect, especially after the team signed Kenny Golladay. This signing further proves that the front office believes that this team can compete right now. Hopefully it works out for the better this time.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
