The New York Giants have until May 1 to decide whether or not to exercise the fifth-year option of cornerback Deonte Banks, their 2023 first-round draft pick. So far, they haven’t acted.
Why are they dragging their feet on what many see as a very clear-cut decision?
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The projected fifth-year option for Banks in 2027 is $12.633 million, fully guaranteed if the Giants choose to exercise it. For a player who has basically busted and has been relegated to backup duty at corner and a returner on special teams, the Giants have no other recourse but to decline.
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“We’re going to talk about that early next week,” Giants general manager Joe Schoen said when probed about Banks’ option on Friday night.
The reason for the delay is that new head coach John Harbaugh and his staff are giving everyone in the building a clean slate. That includes Banks, who at one point in his young career had his lackluster play and dedication to the job questioned by coaches.
“There’s guys in there with opportunities,” added Harbaugh. “I’m looking at Tae. He hasn’t played that great, he’ll tell you that. But is he capable of playing a lot better? I think he is. That’s on us and on him to get him to play better. So, imagine if he takes this step and what does that do for the room? “
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The Giants might be giving Banks, who they reportedly were willing to trade this offseason (and may still be), a second bite at the apple, but not for $12 million. Banks will have to earn this one the old-fashioned way.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants will decide on Deonte Banks’ fifth-year option after the draft
