The NFL trade deadline passed on Tuesday, leaving the New York Giants as one of the league’s most inactive teams. General manager Joe Schoen reportedly inquired about several top available players (wide receivers, running backs) in the lead-up to the deadline, but the steep asking prices exceeded what the Giants were willing to surrender in assets.
Among the players the Giants were reportedly shopping were former first-round pick Evan Neal and third-round selection Jalin Hyatt — talents the organization no longer views as reliable contributors during live game action.
In a notable twist, however, 2023 first-round pick Deonte Banks reportedly drew interest from a potential trade partner ahead of the deadline.
Coincidentally, the inquiring team — the Indianapolis Colts — struck a deal that same day with the New York Jets, acquiring former first-round pick Sauce Gardner in a blockbuster move.
Details of the Giants-Colts discussions remain unclear, including the asking price for Banks. Yet, with ongoing injuries plaguing New York’s secondary, the Giants likely deemed the rookie cornerback essential to their depth, making a trade untenable at this juncture.
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Banks has emerged as a clear liability in the Giants’ defensive backfield, with the team preferring to minimize his snap counts whenever possible.
His slide down the depth chart this offseason — coupled with a rare training camp loss in a key positional battle — signals that a parting of ways may be inevitable. Despite the Colts’ interest in Banks’ availability, no deal materialized, leaving his future with Big Blue in limbo as the Giants prioritize roster stability heading into the season’s stretch run.
