Giants Reinforce Secondary with Adoree’ Jackson’s Return, Adding Veteran Leadership

The New York Giants have brought back cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, extending his tenure with the team into a fourth season. This decision, made official on Saturday, strengthens the Giants’ defensive backfield, which otherwise relies heavily on less seasoned players heading into the regular season.

To create space for Jackson, the Giants have parted ways with tight end/fullback Jakob Johnson. Jackson, aged 28, has been a key player for the Giants, starting 14 games last season and returning an interception for a 76-yard touchdown.

His career includes 77 starts, a remarkable figure compared to the combined total of the other key cornerbacks on the Giants’ roster: Deonte Banks (15 starts), Cor’Dale Flott (13), Nick McCloud (11), Tre Hawkins III (3), and rookie Dru Phillips.

Flott, who was slated to start alongside Banks, has just returned from a quadriceps injury, with McCloud having temporarily filled his spot. Jackson’s return is expected to restore him to a starting position once he’s fully recovered.

Jackson initially signed with the Giants before the 2021 season after spending his first four NFL years with the Tennessee Titans. Over his three seasons with New York, he has started 36 out of 37 games and accumulated 176 tackles, two interceptions, 23 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and three tackles for loss.

However, Jackson’s previous experience with Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, who served as the Titans’ outside linebackers coach during Jackson’s time in Tennessee, adds an extra layer of familiarity and value to his role with the Giants.