Giants Overhaul Secondary with Bold Moves to Fix Leaky Pass Defense
Sometimes, the only way to repair a broken unit is to tear it down and rebuild from scratch — and that’s exactly the approach New York Giants GM Joe Schoen took with the secondary this offseason.
After watching their defense get shredded in critical moments last year, the Giants didn’t hesitate. They opened their wallet and made two major acquisitions to revamp the back end.
Jovan Holland Adds Leadership and Deep Coverage Skills
The first splash came at safety, where the Giants signed former Dolphins standout Jovan Holland to a three-year, $45.3 million deal, with $30.3 million guaranteed. The contract also gives the team flexibility, with a potential opt-out after two years for just $4 million in dead cap.
Despite a down year in 2024 — where Holland failed to record an interception — the Giants are betting on a bounce-back. At just 25 years old, Holland already has six interceptions and 16 pass deflections over four seasons, even though he’s also allowed 13 touchdowns in coverage.
With Xavier McKinney gone, Holland steps in as a potential leader with strong instincts and a high ceiling in coverage.
Paulson Adebo Brings Physicality and Playmaking Ability
Not stopping at safety, the Giants also fortified their cornerback group by signing former Saints CB Paulson Adebo to a three-year, $54 million deal, including $38.5 million guaranteed. Like Holland, his deal includes an out after two seasons, limiting long-term risk.
Adebo, also 25, is coming off an injury-shortened season with just 436 snaps, but he made the most of his time on the field: three interceptions, seven pass breakups, and only one touchdown allowed. His breakout campaign in 2023 saw him notch four picks and 63 tackles while facing top-tier receivers.
Smart Spending with Flexibility Built In
Both deals are structured to give the Giants short-term impact and long-term options. The contracts are front-loaded, minimizing cap risk if either player underperforms while maximizing immediate returns.
The presence of Holland and Adebo should help stabilize the unit, allowing young CB Deonte Banks to slide comfortably into a CB2 role, where he can continue to grow without being overexposed.
A Secondary Built to Match the Front Seven
With nearly $100 million invested in Holland and Adebo, the Giants aren’t just plugging gaps — they’re resetting the tone for their entire defense.
This new-look secondary is expected to be more than just competent. It’s designed to take the ball away, bring physicality, and close out tight games — something New York struggled to do last season.
If both players stay healthy and return to form, this defensive rebuild could finally give the Giants the shutdown back end they’ve been missing.