The New York Giants worked out a collection of defensive backs on Wednesday as part of their due diligence ahead of Week 1.
Among the attendees was Keith Taylor, a fifth-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2021.
The 26-year-old Taylor also spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he was part of a Super Bowl-winning team (LVIII) in the 2023 season. Taylor signed with the Atlanta Falcons in March but was released on Aug. 26 as part of final roster cutdowns.
What NFL Experience Does Keith Taylor Have?
Drafted in the fifth round (166th overall) in 2021 out of Washington, Taylor played his first two seasons with Carolina. He appeared in 34 games, notching 67 tackles and one forced fumble.
Taylor was released in August 2023 but latched onto the Chiefs’ practice squad. After winning a Super Bowl ring his first season in Kansas City, Taylor returned in 2024 and recorded eight tackles in 11 games.
The Falcons brought Taylor into the fold this offseason, but he failed to make the initial 53-man roster.
Last season, Pro Football Focus rated Taylor 104th out of 222 eligible cornerbacks with an overall grade of 62.7. He ranked 99th in coverage and 103rd as a run defender.
Why Did the Giants Work Out Defensive Backs?
The Giants finished 24th in the NFL in total defense last season (allowed 346.8 yards per game), and while they invested heavily to fix the secondary, cornerback remains a glaring need. As such, they continue to look for depth.
Deonte Banks, a 2023 first-rounder, has failed to establish himself as a reliable starter and could be in a make-or-break year with the team.
Ahead of Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders, Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post reported that Banks has become a “serious problem” for the Giants. La Canfora spoke to an anonymous Giants staffer, who described Banks as immature.
“Does the player even feel responsible for people losing their jobs?” the staffer said. “A lot of people got burned by him. The kid really needs to grow up.”
Notably, Cor’Dale Flott saw action as the No. 2 cornerback this preseason, opposite Paulson Adebo. The former Saints star signed a three-year, $54 million contract with $38.5 million guaranteed in March.
What Players Did the Giants Work Out?
In addition to Taylor, the Giants worked out defensive backs Shemar Bartholomew, Brandon Crossley, M.J. Devonshire, and Keenan Garber, per the NFL wire.
None of the five players were signed, though that could certainly be revisited based on how things shake out over the coming days and weeks.
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