Giants Decline to Pick Up Deonte Banks' Fifth-Year Option

The New York Giants declined to pick up cornerback Deonte Banks' fifth-year option, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. The option would have put Banks under contract through the 2027 season for $12.633 million. Instead, Banks will fight for playing time in 2026 with second-rounder Colton Hood and free-agent signing Greg Newsome. The 25-year-old former 24th overall pick in 2023 out of Maryland had only 31 tackles (24 solo), two tackles for loss, and five pass breakups in 16 games (six starts) in 2025 in his third year in the league. He's recorded a total of 147 tackles (116 solo), five tackles for loss, two interceptions, 28 pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 45 games (35 starts) in his three years in the league. Banks just has not lived up to the expectations that the G-Men had for him when they took him in the first round three years ago.

Source: ESPN New York - Jordan Raanan