The New York Giants may not have been viewed as a true playoff contender this season.
But they also didn't want to start 2-8.
One problem has been that their offseason moves haven't all worked out. At the center of that from a financial standpoint is cornerback Paulson Adebo.
The Giants signed Adebo to a deal worth $18 million per year, but now he's out for the rest of the season with an injury after not playing exceptionally well when healthy.
The Athletic did re-grading of free agent signings in a Thursday article, and while the website initially gave Adebo a 'B' grade, it's not a C-minus for the Giants.
"This past offseason, $18 million per year was the going rate for starting cornerbacks. Adebo, Carlton Davis and Charvarius Ward all signed for the same AAV and are tied for the 15th-highest-paid at their position," The Athletic writes. "... The Giants took a risk signing Adebo, who suffered a season-ending broken femur in Week 7 of last year. Adebo has now missed the past three games with a knee injury. This is always a potential outcome when signing injured players. When Adebo was on the field, the scheme fit was a bit puzzling. This year, Adebo has looked more comfortable in zone looks, when he can play top-down and utilize his ballhawking instincts. He has been less consistent in man coverage, including against the Eagles’ A.J. Brown in Week 6. The Giants have played the third-most man coverage of any defense in the league this season."
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The Giants also invested in their quarterback position in free agency with veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.
Russ started three games, only one of them a good performance, before rookie Jaxson Dart took over. Winston is going to start in Week 11 with Dart concussed.
Those were lower-money moves, but they are a part of the narrative of a rough Giants season.
At least they drafted Dart and Abdul Carter and Cam Skattebo, so the future is bright. But the end of this season, not so much.
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