The New York Giants selected 11 players in this year’s NFL draft but could not fill all their roster needs. One those needs was cornerback, which they used just one pick on — a third rounder on LSU’s Cor’Dale Flott.
On Monday the Giants released veteran James Bradberry, creating even a greater need at the position. This was written by Dan Duggan of The Athletic before Bradberry’s imminent released, outlining the team’s largest remaining need.
The Giants didn’t address the outside cornerback spot in the draft, but their cap crunch remains, so Bradberry’s days are likely numbered. It’s a lot to expect 2021 third-round pick Aaron Robinson, who was drafted to play in the slot, to take over outside in the man-heavy scheme the Giants are planning to play. Adding a cheap veteran would at least provide an insurance policy in case Robinson isn’t up to the task.
The problem is a cheap veteran comes with flaws and would only be a one-year stopgap. Any corner still out on the market is either coming off an injury or on the decline.
The Giants needed to keep their secondary intact this season but it was way too costly to do so. The prior front office overpaid on too many contracts and rolled the dice on oft-injured players at other positions which shattered their salary structure and led the new regime to cut ties with several key players of which Bradberry was one.
