The New York Giants were interested enough in a Trent McDuffie trade to call the Kansas City Chiefs about it before the start of NFL free agency, but according to SNY insider Connor Hughes, the Los Angeles Rams didn’t necessarily steal McDuffie in the March 4 trade news.
And, more importantly, the Giants appear to have a backup plan at the position.
“While the Giants made calls on Trent McDuffie, I do not get the sense, per sources, they were as heavily involved as perceived,” Hughes reported on March 4. Adding: “They were never going as high as the Rams.”
“This does not mean New York isn’t targeting CBs in free agency, though,” the NYC insider continued. “Jamel Dean is someone I’ve heard they’re high on. See if they can get something done there.”
Dean is, of course, a former Super Bowl champion defensive back who played on Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Drafted in round three of the 2019 draft, Dean has appeared in 100-plus games for Tampa Bay over his long career, including the postseason. The versatile CB has started 86 of those games, earning a $52 million extension in 2023.
Potential Giants Free Agency Target Jamel Dean Bounced Back in 2025 After 2 Injury-Plagued Seasons
GettyTampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean.
Dean missed four straight games due to injury in 2024 and three straight in 2023 (four total injury absences). The steady veteran’s play also dropped off a bit in 2023, allowing a career-worst passer rating of 116.0 when targeted, according to Pro Football Focus.
Dean was better in 2024, but he really bounced back last year. Per PFF, the DB held opposing quarterbacks to a 47.7 passer rating, which is truly elite. Over the course of 443 coverage snaps, he only allowed 311 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, not to mention a 46.3% reception rate.
Although Dean has missed time in each of the past few seasons, he really looked healthy in 2025. That full strength amounted to 3 interceptions and 9 pass defenses.
Dean has also been a solid run defender and tackler throughout his career, and he would give the Giants options, as someone who can line up outside or in the slot.
How Much Might Jamel Dean Cost Giants in NFL Free Agency?
After Dean’s regression in 2023 and 2024, the Buccaneers renegotiated what was left of his big-money extension. He ended up playing on a $5 million contract that was largely guaranteed.
Having said that, Dean played well and walked away with over $6.3 million after incentives.
Based on his age (turns 30 in October) and recent salary concessions, it’s unclear what type of market Dean will have in 2026. Needless to say, that could be the determining factor on whether Big Blue pursues him in NFL free agency.
The Giants need cornerback help badly, especially if they lose Cor’Dale Flott on the open market.
Disappointing ex-first-rounder Deonte Banks also feels like he won’t fit with John Harbaugh’s culture shift. The new Giants HC has openly talked about things like effort and every defensive player stopping the run, and Banks just has not shown those traits.
It’s not a question of if the G-Men need cornerback help in 2026. They do, and perhaps Dean is the type of experienced veteran who can help 2025 signing Paulson Adebo stabilize this group under Harbaugh.
Giants ‘High on’ Former $52 Million Champion After Trent McDuffie Trade News