The New York Giants reportedly had interest in signing cornerback Steven Nelson during free agency before the veteran announced his retirement from the NFL.
Knowing they needed some cornerback help going into the offseason, Nelson was apparently on the board for the Giants as a potential veteran addition to compete for a starting spot opposite Deonte Banks.
However, Nelson announced his retirement from the NFL on Sunday.
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, the Giants were among a handful of teams who made “prospective contract offers or serious inquiries” about signing Nelson during the offseason.
Nelson clearly had some decisions to make for himself about whether he wanted to keep playing because it appears he had a number of suitors.
Even though the Giants didn’t land Nelson or another veteran cornerback this offseason, they did use their third-round pick to draft Andru Phillips out of Kentucky. He should compete for the starting nickel role in Shane Bowen’s defense.
The Giants also seem to be relying on the development of third-year cornerback Cor’Dale Flott, who has the inside track to the starting role opposite Banks.
Adding Nelson would have been a nice signing for a secondary that has some major question marks, but at least we know the Giants had interest in making a move like that.
For more Giants coverage, check out Kevin Hickey’s work on Sporting News.
