Giants bringing back CB Jackson, sources say

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants are re-signing veteran cornerback Adoree’ Jackson to a one-year deal, sources told ESPN on Friday.

Jackson, 28, spent the previous three seasons with the Giants. He also knows new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen from their time together with the Tennessee Titans.

But Jackson struggled with injuries (sitting out 14 games over three years), and his tackling came into question last season. It appeared throughout the offseason the Giants were intent on moving on from him.

The signing comes just nine days before the Giants’ season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, and says a lot about how the team feels about its cornerback situation opposite second-year starter Deonte Banks. Nick McCloud or Cor’Dale Flott were in line to start before the Jackson signing.

“It’s a position we’ll continue to look at, as we will with all positions,” general manager Joe Schoen said earlier this week. “If there’s an opportunity to upgrade there, we will.”

Schoen went on to note that five cornerbacks were among the initial set of claims across the league Wednesday. The Giants eventually signed cornerbacks Duke Shelley and Art Green to their practice squad.

Now they’ve added Jackson as they look to solidify the position.

“That’s an important position when we’re making these trade calls or depth calls with other organizations. If you called every team, 32 out of 32 would probably say they are looking for depth at corner,” Schoen said. “It’s a difficult position to find. We’re always going to look to upgrade across the entire roster. But that position in particular, one or two injuries away. There’s not a lot of teams that have three good corners on their roster as you really look through it. Again, like I said, every position we’ll continue to look to upgrade if we can.”

McCloud appeared to be the front-runner to start before the Jackson move. He was having a strong summer while Flott was dealing with a quad injury.

Perhaps Schoen provided a hint of his intention with McCloud during his news conference Wednesday when he referred to him as “a valuable role player for us.” McCloud can play inside and outside and is a high-end gunner on special teams. Flott struggled on the outside this summer after coming on strong in the slot late last year in Wink Martindale’s defensive scheme.

Jackson allowed 65% of passes to be completed as the nearest defender last season, according to NextGen Stats. He had eight passes defended.

The seven-year veteran has played in 83 career games with 77 starts. He has four career interceptions and one touchdown during his time with the Giants and Titans.