Heading into this offseason, New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen knew he had to bolster his secondary, especially at outside corner.

His top pick from 2023, Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks, had taken a step back in his second season and doubts had begun to arise if Banks had the makeup to be a No. 1 cornerback.

Banks may still have that in him, but Schoen wanted to make sure he was covered and added former New Orleans Saints budding star Paulson Adebo in free agency.

The Giants inked Adebo, a former 2021 third-round selection out from Stanford by the Saints, to a three-year, $54 million deal with $38.5 million guaranteed. In short, the Giants paid Adebo to be their No. 1 corner.

Saints defensive end Cam Jordan, an eight-time Pro Bowler with the Saints, says the Giants are getting a No. 1 in his former teammate, Adebo.

From the New York Daily News:

That is satisfying to hear for Giant fans who watched Banks meltdown on and off the field last year. He was even accused of not playing hard at times and giving up on plays by coaches and teammates.

Adebo knows he will asked to lead a group of younger players in the secondary including Banks, cornerback Andru Phillips and safety Tyler Nubin.

"Any time you can come in and bring experience, that's great," he said in his introductory press conference with the Giants. "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 being willing to learn. Coming into a new organization, seeing how things are done and adapt accordingly."

When asked about Banks, Adebo said he is ready to take him under his wing as well.

"I know he's a big, fast, strong, physical corner. I like a lot of things that he does. Very explosive. Very athletic. So, I'm happy to be able to come in and work with him," he said.

Perhaps Adebo's presence will be enough to help Banks raise his game.