Does Giants CB Deonte Banks have something to prove in Week 2?
· Yahoo Sports
Does New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks, assuming he plays, need to make a statement in Week 2 after starting the 2026 season on the right foot against the Dallas Cowboys?
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox named Banks the Giant with the most to prove this week.
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Back in 2023, the New York Giants used a first-round pick on Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks. While he was a regular starter as a rookie, he was benched toward the end of his second season and only made six starts in 2025.
Though the Giants declined the fifth-year option on Banks' contract, the arrival of new head coach John Harbaugh gave the corner a fresh opportunity to prove himself. While he got the start against the Cowboys in Week 1, Banks wasn't great.
The 25-year-old did log a pair of batted passes, but he also allowed four receptions and surrendered a touchdown. Overall, he allowed an opposing passer rating of 103.0 in coverage.
The Giants need to see more from Banks if they're going to keep him in a starting role, and he has to be better if he has any hope of cashing in during 2027 free agency.
Holding Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb to 44 receiving yards in New York’s 28-20 win in Week 1, even after allowing a touchdown, was still a credit to Banks. He played with fire and showed the kind of tenacity the Giants will need from him moving forward.
Banks has faced his share of criticism throughout his young career. He opened the new season on a high note, but he will have to sustain that level and take another step if he wants to silence those who have questioned his game.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Does Giants CB Deonte Banks have something to prove in Week 2?