In a span of less than 24 hours, the Giants added their two best defensive backs.
Both are 25 years old and both should be entering their prime.
Safety Jevón Holland and cornerback Paulson Adebo enter a room with three returning starters in the secondary all under the age of 24.
If this blend of youth and talent is legit, the Giants will be set on the back end of their defense, now and for years to come.
“That’s a recipe for excellence,’’ Holland said Thursday. “It’s a group of guys that are going to be able to build with each other, create a community amongst each other, and rely on each other when we’re out there on the field. Communication makes the defense flow smoothly. To be able to know the guy next to me, knowing who they’re playing with and being able to communicate easily, makes the job a lot easier. I think that would help us fly around and make plays and be free on the field.’’
Holland arrived from the Dolphins on a three-year deal worth $45.3 million.
Adebo came from the Saints on a three-year deal worth $54 million. Both filled big needs.
The Giants last season struggled to locate a legitimate second cornerback to line up with Deonte Banks, who endured a rough second NFL season. The Giants wanted to upgrade at one safety spot and they did not pursue Jason Pinnock, who left in free agency for the 49ers.
Banks, 24, needs to pick up his performance and effort.
Two 2024 draft choices, safety Tyler Nubin, 23, and cornerback Dru Phillips, 23, were second- and third-round picks, respectively.
Phillips graded out as one of the NFL’s top slot corners and Nubin was second on the team in tackles with 98 despite missing the final four games with an ankle injury.
Just like that, the Giants have a young nucleus in their defensive backfield. Holland has 57 career starts and Adebo has 51. So, they have been around and know what to expect.
“Yeah, absolutely,’’ Adebo said. “I think any time you can come in and bring experience, that’s great. I have some experience. So, if there’s something that I know, I’ll be very willing to be able to share that knowledge and share that wisdom and at the same time be willing to learn. Coming into a new organization, seeing how things are done and adapt accordingly.’’
Both newcomers will see friendly faces in their new locker room.
Adebo was a college teammate of Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke and called him “Like my OG when I came in at Stanford. We’ve got a real good relationship. We hang out. We talk football. Talk about ways to better ourselves on the field. That was a good relationship for me to have coming into this organization.’’
Holland was at Oregon with edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, who put the full-court press on to get Holland to the Giants with a barrage of texts and calls.
“It’s going to be fun,’’ Holland said. “Every time we’re around each other, it’s always laughs. I’m really looking forward to running that back.’’
A day after re-signing Greg Van Roten, the Giants brought back Aaron Stinnie, another veteran guard. Stinnie, 31, is a seven-year NFL veteran. He started three games for the Giants in 2024.
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