The New York Giants’ roster is nearly finalized, barring any last-minute, unforeseen acquisitions ahead of the regular season. Those currently on the roster will battle it out for starting jobs and roster spots during the summer at training camp. But meanwhile, general manager Joe Schoen could still have a trick left up his sleeve.
Schoen has earned his reputation as one of the most trade-savvy general managers in the NFL. He pulled off a blockbuster trade last offseason to acquire TE Darren Waller, and once again this spring to bring in EDGE Brian Burns. But what if Schoen could make one last trade to fill a huge need on the Giants’ roster ahead of the 2024 season?
The Giants have a need at cornerback
The biggest remaining need for the Giants is at cornerback. Last year’s first-round pick Deonte Banks will be the team’s primary corner this season. However, opposite him, is a massive question mark.
Cor’Dale Flott is expected to take over as the team’s No. 2 cornerback this season. However, Flott has just 13 career starts to his name across two career seasons, none of which came on the boundary. Flott has primarily been a slot cornerback throughout the first two seasons of his career.
The Giants are gambling on Flott’s innate coverage abilities and high football IQ to pan out on the outside. However, if they could make a trade to find an immediate upgrade at cornerback, they should not hesitate to pull the trigger.
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Could Jaire Alexander be on the trade block?
Earlier this offseason, Green Bay Packers All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander had his name brought up in trade rumors. Alexander had made cryptic social media posts earlier this offseason that could have been interpreted as an indication that he wants to leave Green Bay.
However, the Packers vowed they would keep Alexander, despite any concerns he or fans may have had about his future with the team. Alexander is under contract through 2026.
Alexander has earned his reputation as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. He has been named a second-team All-Pro twice in his career and has also been named to the Pro Bowl twice in his career. He has recorded 13 or more pass defenses in four separate seasons and has racked up 10 interceptions so far in his six-year career.
Despite his greatness on the field, Alexander has dealt with a slew of injuries over the past couple of seasons. The Giants are a team in need of talent, but they are also a team in need of dependability. Alexander’s injury history could give them some cause for concern when considering a potential trade.
Ultimately, the Packers are unlikely to change their minds on Alexander’s future. They will likely keep hold of their elite cornerback and continue building a roster that looks like you could soon be competing for a championship. Meanwhile, the Giants will continue to develop the young talent on their roster as they aim to return to postseason prominence in the near future.