Free agency begins next week and teams across the NFL will attempt to upgrade their roster. While the best teams are built through the draft, free agency presents organizations with an opportunity to fill immediate needs with experienced players. Generally speaking, certain positions are more valuable in free agency than others. It’s all dictated by market trends, supply versus demand, and how desperately teams spend their money.
One area where the Giants could look to spend top-of-the-market money is cornerback. Although they invested capital during Joe Schoen’s tenure, they still have a glaring need for a true cornerback that can take an opposing team’s top receiver out of the game.
Who are some free-agent cornerback targets for the Giants?
5 Cornerbacks the New York Giants Should Target In Free Agency
D.J. Reed – New York Jets
Reed is still in his prime at just 28 years old and would immediately become the Giants number one corner. D.J. Reed is a feisty, physical, and versatile cornerback despite being undersized (5’9″, ~190 lbs). Reed excels in man and zone coverage, often playing bigger than his size. He has quick feet and fluid hips allowing him to mirror receivers well and stay attached in routes. Most importantly, he doesn’t shy away from press-man coverage, even against bigger receivers.
Spotrac estimates Reed’s market at 4 years, $58.6 million.
The best of DJ Reed’s first 2 seasons in NY 🔒 pic.twitter.com/MnNTtnpTKY
— Dylan (@nyjetsfansonly) June 17, 2024
Charvarius Ward, San Francisco 49ers
Due to a personal tragedy, Ward only played in twelve games in 2024. However, his overall career numbers indicate that the former first-round pick is a true cornerback-one in the NFL. Ward is a physical, press-heavy corner who excels in man coverage, using his length and strength to disrupt routes. He’s disciplined, sticky in coverage, and rarely gets beaten deep, relying on solid technique rather than elite ball skills. A tough, willing tackler, he contributes against the run and matches up well with bigger receivers. Ward’s playstyle is built on aggression, discipline, and physicality, making him a strong fit for press-focused defenses.
Spotrac estimates Reed’s market at 3 years, $46.8 million.
I know Charvarius Ward had an, understandably, down season last year, but there's still so much good film from him in 2024. A really smooth, confident, and technically sound player in coverage. pic.twitter.com/1mp4bBXWVu
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) March 3, 2025
Byron Murphy, Jr., Minnesota Vikings
Murphy signed a two-year deal with the Vikings in 2023 to help bolster a weak secondary. He may not be an ideal fit for Bowen’s zone-heavy scheme, but ball skills are ball skills. Murphy’s six interceptions were tied for the league lead for corners in 2024. Giants cornerbacks, meanwhile only managed two interceptions throughout the season. A ballhawk corner like Murphy could pair well with the Giants pass rush that was leading the league in sacks until Dexter Lawrence went out for the season. Bowen’s scheme relies on the front four to pressure the quarterback and a cornerback willing to take chances in a zone-heavy scheme. Murphy, even though primarily a man-to-man corner, could be a fit if that money makes sense.
Spotrac estimates Murphy’s market at 4 years, $88.3 million.
The focus has been at WR and OL for much Patriots talk in free agency.
But signing Byron Murphy Jr would be a big upgrade and duo to add opposite Gonzo.
Imagine that secondary 🤔 🤔
Good news. He CANNOT be franchise tagged.
— Michael Rodnick (@MJRodnick) March 3, 2025
Rasul Douglas, Buffalo Bills
While Douglas is coming off a down year in 2024, his ball skills and physical play style will garner interest this offseason. He is probably best suited for a cornerback-two role at this point in his career, given his age and lack of recent production. However, he would bring veteran leadership to a young Giants secondary that needs it. During stretches of 2024, Deonte Banks’ effort was questioned and he was benched at times. Other than Adoree Jackson, the Giants secondary didn’t have a veteran presence in the locker room.
Beyond a physical play style and a knack for making plays at the catchpoint, Douglas would provide the Giants stability on and off the field at a cheaper price.
Spotrac estimates Douglas’ market at 3 years, $35.7 million.
Carlton Davis, Detroit Lions
Similar to Douglas, Carlton David would bring a steady presence to the Giants secondary. He helped ease the course for the Lions in 2024 after being traded from the Buccaneers in the offseason. Another physical, press-man corner, Davis has ideal height and length to match up against top-end receivers. Like Douglas, he is probably best suited for a cornerback-two role at this point in his career. Another cheaper option if the Giants miss out on the top of the market players.
Spotrac estimates Davis’ market at 3 years, $41.3 million.
NFL FREE AGENT #23: Carlton Davis, CB, Lions
Teams in The Mix – Jets, Lions, Raiders
NEW TEAM – New York JetsAaron Glenn was a big reason that Carlton Davis got brought into Detriot a season ago. With losing DJ Reed, Glenn can replace him with Carlton Davis and pair him with… pic.twitter.com/0kw7fKnpXd
— Tamke Talk (@MarkJun01906395) March 5, 2025
The Best Moves
In a perfect world, Deonte Banks will take the necessary steps to become a true shutdown cornerback in the NFL in 2024. However, the Giants do not live in a perfect world and could look to upgrade from their former first-round pick in free agency. Instead, they could to one of these free agent cornerback targets to bolster their secondary.
If there is a position for the Giants to spend money on this offseason, it’s cornerback. They’ll need to in a division with A.J. Brown, CeeDee Lamb, and Terry McLaurin.
Main Photo: Matt Krohn – Imagn Images
