The New York Giants‘ secondary has been one of the league’s worst over the past two years. In 2017, the Giants’ secondary allowed 252.4 passing yards per game (ranked 31st in the NFL). In 2018, the Giants’ secondary allowed 252.8 passing yards (ranked 23rd in the NFL), showing minimal to no improvement.
The Giants fixed this problem in the 2019 NFL Draft. New York drafted three defensive backs in the 2019 NFL Draft (four if counting Sam Beal). The secondary has been completely rebuilt.
The secondary is now filled with youth. But there are still a couple of veterans, Janoris Jenkins and Antoine Bethea, who will provide valuable leadership and mentorship for the younger defensive backs. But after they have fullfilled that role, what happens next? Could Janoris Jenkins be traded?
Why Jenkins Could Be Traded
Janoris Jenkins has had a rocky past couple of seasons. Janoris has not looked like the same shutdown cornerback that helped the Giants reach the playoffs in 2016. Granted, the whole team looks a lot worse since then, but Jenkins was particularly dominant that year.
Now, the Giants are hoping Jenkins can return to his shutdown form. But there is no guaruntee that will happen. But maybe it doesn’t need to. Not anymore, at least.
Last year, the Giants seriously lakced talent in the secondary. Janoris was the team’s primary cornerback and the only outside cornerback that opponents could take seriously.
This year is much different. The Giants now have an abundance of talented defensive backs that could be ready to start this year. The Giants drafted DeAndre Baker at the end of the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft and he has looked excellent in training camp so far.
But he is not the only rookie having a strong summer. Sixth round rookie Corey Ballentine has been making plays all over the place during training camp and looks like he could make an immediate impact if needed.
This all makes Janoris Jenkins, to some extent, expendable. If the Giants are losing a lot of games midway through the season (like they are expected to), then they should seriously consider putting Jenkins on the trade block. This would allow the Giants to give their young corners some valuable playing experience while getting something else in return for a solid veteran player.