When the New York Giants declined to pick up the fifth-year option of cornerback Deonte Banks earlier this year, it seemed like the beginning of the end for the embattled 2023 first-round pick.
But these aren't the Giants we've become accustomed to over the past 12 years. Failure is no longer in their vocabulary and will no longer be acceptable under new head coach John Harbaugh.
The Giants didn't pick up Banks' option because he hadn't earned it. His declining performance over the past two seasons didn't warrant the $12.63 million extension, but they weren't giving up on him. Banks would get a chance to get back into the good graces of the team with a solid offseason and training camp.
That has happened. Banks has worked hard and taken the advice the new coaching staff has been giving him. He appears to be not only a different player, but the player the Giants hoped they were getting when they traded three draft picks to move up one spot in the order to select him three years ago.
"Tae has been amazing just in his press coverage, very strong, very physical, a cerebral player," teammate Greg Newsome II said last week.

#banks #past #years #didn 't

A viral sideline clip of Cam Skattebo and John Harbaugh during the New York Giants' preseason finale against the New York Jets left some viewers convinced the running back and his first-year head coach were having an unfriendly exchange. Skattebo pushed back on that interpretation Thursday on Up & Adams.
"There's that video going around of me and Harbaugh, and not liking what I said or whatever," Skattebo told Kay Adams. "It was a more serious conversation. It wasn't anything negative or anything positive."
The conversation, Skattebo said, was a hypothetical football question: whether it was "more messed up to kneel the ball going into the end zone from the one-yard line or actually scoring."
The clip fed a larger outside narrative that Skattebo's high-energy style was wearing thin with the coaching staff and teammates. That perception gained steam after an August 26 training camp scuffle with cornerback Greg Newsome and safety Jevon Holland, when Skattebo's late slide after a reception sparked a brief intra-squad dust-up.
Offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor publicly rejected reports that Skattebo's act had grown old inside the locker room.

#adams #john

Giants news: Greg Newsome II adds pressure on defense with bold claim appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Tension spilled over for the New York Giants a few days ago after cornerback Greg Newsome II and safety Jevon Holland got into a scuffle with running back Cam Skattebo in practice.
They downplayed the incident, chalking it up to a heat-of-the-moment thing. If anything, it proved that the Giants are **** -bent on getting physical in the upcoming season.
Newsome signed a one-year contract worth $8 million in March, and he has been a solid addition to the defensive unit. Clearly, he is not lacking in confidence, making a strong claim ahead of Week 1.
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#clutchpoints #preferred

The NFL isn't always about what happens on the field, and Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti and his family are once again investing in the city's future by expanding a scholarship program designed to help Baltimore students attend and graduate from college.
The Bisciotti Family Foundation has committed up to $3 million to continue the Ozzie Newsome Scholars Program through an expanded partnership with Morgan State University. The eight-year grant will run from 2026 through 2033 and be administered by the Morgan State University Foundation.
The funding will support 40 new students at Morgan State, with 10 students selected from each of the next four incoming classes. Each recipient can receive $15,000 annually for up to 5 years, for a potential scholarship value of $75,000 per student.
"Since its inception, the Ozzie Newsome Scholars Program has been about more than financial support," Bisciotti said. "It honors Ozzie's legacy by investing in Baltimore students whose talent, determination and character continue to inspire us."
The program began in 2021 with a $4 million commitment divided among Morgan State, Bowie State, Coppin State and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Current scholars at those institutions will continue receiving their promised ******* istance, but future classes will be concentrated at Morgan State.

#bisciotti #foundation

It would appear New York Giants defenders aren't too happy with running back Cam Skattebo after he started another fight at practice on Wednesday.
According to the New York Daily News' Pat Leonard, Skattebo got into it with cornerback Greg Newsome after nearly taking out multiple Giants defensive backs with a slide after making a catch on one rep.
Leonard adds that Skattebo's "act is getting old" with his defensive teammates, especially after he "ran over linebacker Zaire Barnes" at an earlier practice.
"Cam Skattebo started a fight in practice today. He slid down after a reception and came dangerously close to taking out a couple Giants DBs' legs. The defense isn't allowed to hit," Leonard wrote.
MORE: Malik Nabers takes giant step toward NFL Week 1 return

#skattebo #fight #wednesday

The biggest question regarding the New York Giants heading into 2026 has been whether their defense can rise above its dismal performances in 2024 and 2025.
It was a bit of a surprise when the Giants hired former Tennessee ******* ans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson when names like Jim Leonard or Wink Martindale were being bandied about. However, Wilson is both familiar with the "Ravens" style of defense and has a history of producing excellent secondaries.
One of the prime concerns regarding the Giants' roster was their defensive secondary. In particular, those on the outside were concerned about the cornerback position opposite Paulson Adebo. It was widely expected that Greg Newsome II would be the starting corner opposite Adebo, with rookie Colton Hood rotating in and eventually supplanting him.
Instead, the Giants have rotated their starting corners with Adebo, Newsome, Deonte Banks, and Hood all getting reps with the starters.
"Right now, I see a bunch of young men trying to get better," Wilson said. "Every day they're going out there and they're competing against our offense. You've seen them in the games that we had in the preseason and in the preseason practice. They're coming out there and trying to detail their work. Right now, everybody's fighting to play, and I like where they're all at."

#they 're #wilson

Infectious energy can be a great thing for NFL teams, but infectious diseases – those are always something to avoid.
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh characterized running back Cam Skattebo's energy on Wednesday, Aug. 26 as more of the latter. Skattebo's antics in practice on Wednesday ignited a fight with Giants defensive backs Jevón Holland and Greg Newsome II, according to multiple reports.
Asked about "infectious" energy from Skattebo on Aug. 26, Harbaugh criticized Skattebo's antagonizing, according to a report.
"Yeah it's infectious. It can be infectious the other way, an infectious disease type of thing. We want it to be in a positive way," Harbaugh reportedly said.
GIANTS NEWS: Calvin Austin injury update after WR carted off with non-contact injury

#wednesday #according

The Baltimore Ravens made a defensible decision when they extended Mark Andrews rather than building their future at tight end around Isaiah Likely. That does not mean Baltimore will never wonder what might have been. Likely's first training camp with the New York Giants has provided an early reminder of his potential. He caught six passes during live periods in Thursday's joint practice against the Miami Dolphins and has quickly developed chemistry with quarterback Jaxson Dart.
With Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton occupying attention on the outside, Likely should receive favorable opportunities in the middle of the field. An 85- or 90-catch season is not unreasonable if his early target volume continues. That possibility will naturally restart the debate in Baltimore. Andrews is the more accomplished player, but Likely is younger and offers more explosiveness after the catch.
The Ravens made their choice in December when they signed Andrews to a three-year, $39.3 million extension containing $26 million guaranteed. Likely subsequently received a three-year, $40 million contract from the Giants that could reach $47.5 million.
Keeping both was never a realistic option once the market valued Likely as one of the NFL's highest-paid tight ends.
Baltimore selected certainty. Andrews owns the franchise records for career receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches. He finished the 2025 season with 484 receptions, 5,952 yards and 56 touchdowns over his career. Andrews became only the second tight end after Travis Kelce to hold his franchise's receiving triple crown. He also joined Kelce, Jason Witten, Antonio Gates and Ozzie Newsome as tight ends who became their organization's career leader in receiving yards.

#andrews #Career

The New York Giants are holding their final practice at Greenbrier this morning, Saturday, August 8th. This practice will be closed to the public, though members of the media are still in attendance. Their final two-hour practice of the week will begin practice at 11 a.m., and promises to be another tough one with the teams' second day off since the start of camp looming.
The Giants are likely back in pads again as the team is expected to work on goal line situations.
Injury scare as CB Greg Newsome II has an apparent non-contact injury. He appears fine after an exam.
Things to watch for on Saturday
Will the offense be able to sustain its momentum from Friday? The defense responded with dominance after the offense won the first day of camp.

#offense

Quarterback Jaxson Dart's antics landed him in hot water with his head coach during New York Giants training camp.
The competitive spark flew during practice in White Sulphur Springs, W. Va., when Dart — the former Ole Miss star and 2025 first-round NFL Draft — celebrated a touchdown by whipping the ball at cornerback Greg Newsome II's face mask, according to People, which published its report Wednesday, August 5.
Christopher Szagola/Cal Sport Media/Newscom/The Mega Agency
"Just them competing," tight end Isaiah Likely said of the moment between Dart and Newsome, per the report. "I mean, training camp, Day 2 of pads, getting tired, obviously in the red zone points are at stake. I mean, that's the type of dog you want in a quarterback."
Likely, who's played alongside Newsome for years, added, "And obviously, Newsome, I've been playing with him for quite a while. I know he's a dog himself. So he's not going to back down on ***** ody."

#training #camp #mean #jaxson

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — The New York Giants completed their third consecutive day of padded practices, the maximum allowed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, on Wednesday.
This was the best day of camp for the offense, and for wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
Beckham — This was Beckham's best day of camp. He caught passes from Jaxson Dart, Jameis Winston, and Brandon Allen, and showed some burst turning a couple of those receptions upfield. Yes, Beckham received some first-team reps on Wednesday, the second straight day that has happened. I refuse to fuss about that, though. Jalin Hyatt and Xavier Gipson also got first-team reps.
Jaxson Dart — After he fired a ball at Greg Newsome after a touchdown on Tuesday, Harbaugh made sure the quarterback was penalized 15 yards for taunting. You can be sure the topic was addressed during the team's Tuesday night film session.
"We have our team meeting, and all those plays come up, the different things come up. So, that's an opportunity for coaching points. So, we went over the sequence, and everybody knows," head coach John Harbaugh said. "So, it was good. He was great about it. He's great about accepting responsibility and he's a very accountable guy."

#jaxson #camp

The New York Giants just added a major variable to their offense, and it isn't a flashy new contract. Isaiah Likely has arrived from Baltimore with a clear mission to elevate Jaxson Dart's performance. This isn't just about blocking anymore. Likely is positioning himself as the ultimate chess piece to unlock the quarterback's potential. He brings a specific physical profile and a mental edge that the team desperately needs.
John Harbaugh didn't bring Likely here to sit on the bench. He brought him to be a 6-foot-4, 245-pound weapon who can line up anywhere. That versatility forces defenses to guess. If the defense knows Likely can go everywhere, they can't key in on Dart. This creates ****** e for the offense to breathe. The plan is simple but effective: use Likely's flexibility to make Dart's job easier.
Early practice sessions showed exactly why the Giants wanted this specific tight end. During a simulated game situation, Jaxson Dart raced alone around the left end for a touchdown. Instead of just celebrating, Dart threw the ball at Greg Newsome II's face mask. This aggressive act drew a 15-yard taunting penalty from the officials. Head coach John Harbaugh immediately pointed out the consequence of that play.
Harbaugh stated, "I think it's a 15-yard penalty for taunting," noting that the penalty meant "so we backed up the extra point." The Giants need feistiness, but they also need discipline. Likely stepped in right after the play to manage the situation between Dart and Newsome. He didn't try to stop the fire; he just kept it contained. Likely praised the quarterback's attitude, saying, "That's the type of dawg you want at quarterback."
He also recognized the defensive back's toughness, adding, "And obviously, Newsome, I've been playing [against] him for quite a while. I know he's a dawg himself, so he's not going to back down on ****** ody." This incident proved that the chemistry is already forming. The players are competing hard, but they are also looking out for each other. Likely explained that the heat of the moment is part of the process, noting, "Just them competing."

#likely #dart #penalty #isn 't

Giants QB Jaxson Dart draws penalty lesson after heated training camp exchange originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart showed the passion that has made him one of the team's most intriguing young players, but his emotions got the better of him during Tuesday's training camp practice.
Following a touchdown run in a red-zone drill, Dart celebrated by throwing the football at the helmet of cornerback Greg Newsome. The ball struck Newsome before bouncing away, immediately drawing the attention of several defensive players, who surrounded the rookie quarterback as tensions briefly flared.
While no punches were thrown, the exchange was enough for head coach Jim Harbaugh to step in with an immediate teaching moment.
Rather than simply moving on to the next play, Harbaugh treated Dart's celebration as if it had occurred during a regular-season game. He **** sed the offense a simulated 15-yard taunting penalty, forcing kicker Ben Sauls to attempt a much more difficult 48-yard extra point instead of a routine kick.

#penalty

Giants coach John Harbaugh had a few thoughts — though not much harsh public criticism — regarding what Jaxson Dart did Tuesday.
Dart, the Giants' prized second-year quarterback, acted like an immature fool at one point during the Giants' sixth training camp practice at The Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.
After running for a touchdown during a red-zone period late in practice, Dart celebrated in preening fashion — by throwing the ball at cornerback Greg Newsome's helmet.
As you'd imagine, that upset Newsome, a projected starter who joined the Giants as a free agent this offseason.
After practice, Harbaugh — the Giants' new no-nonsense big whistle — was asked what he thought about Dart doing that.

#harbaugh #greenbrier

One of the key battles this training camp for the New York Giants is at cornerback, a position they haven't gotten right for a long while. They've recently been trying every avenue available to find solutions -- free agency, the draft -- but have yet to find the right combination.
This summer, they are going with Paulson Adebo, last year's big-ticket free agent, and Greg Newsome, whom they signed to a one-year, $8 million look-see contract this past March, as the exterior corners.

#right #find #adebo #newsome

The Arizona Cardinals made a roster move on Friday ahead of their final practice before an off day. They placed cornerback Jaden Davis on injured reserve, and they signed cornerback Quinton Newsome.
Davis, drafted in the seventh round in 2024, he spent almost two seasons on the practice squad before being signed to the 53-man roster and appearing in three games last season. Now his season is over unless he is waived later on with an injury settlement.
Newsome had a tryout with the Cardinals earlier in the week.
Newsome is six feet tall and 185 pounds. He most recently played in the UFL for the Houston Gamblers. He entered the league as a rookie free agent in 2024, signing with the Denver Broncos after going undrafted out of Nebraska.
He spent parts of the last two seasons with the Broncos.

#practice #cornerback

The New York Giants 2026 training camp is almost here.
The Giants are set at several positions, like quarterback and linebacker. However, the arrival of John Harbaugh means that the Giants done work in tinkering with their roster to make it more competitive. There are also a number of players getting clean slates and opportunities to compete for starting jobs.
In other words, this year might have more and more lively camp battles than we've seen in recent years from the Giants.
So with that in mind, we want to know which camp battles you're most interested in seeing this year?
Cornerback – The headline here is free agent acquisition (and 2021 first-round pick) Greg Newsome II trying to hold off 2023 first-round pick Deonte Banks. Newsome entered the spring as the starter, however Banks has seemingly taken to the new scheme and coaching well. He's earned more first team snaps over the course of OTA's and minicamp, and reportedly looked good in the process. 2026 second-round pick Colton Hood is waiting in the wings as well, and could leapfrog both players if they stumble in camp.

#Giants #camp #newsome #however

Deonte Banks enters 2026 at a crossroads. The New York Giants’ 2023 first-round pick has shown fleeting flashes of dominance but endured an up-and-down career marked by inconsistency in coverage and, at times, a lacking effort.
With the fifth-year option declined, Banks is in the final year of his rookie deal and must prove his worth in a crowded, revamped secondary featuring Greg Newsome II and rookie Colton Hood.
New defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, a fellow Maryland Terrapin, has emphasized a clean slate for everyone.
"He's a talented player. He's big. He can run. He brings an element of physicality, but he's had an up-and-down career thus far," Wilson told reporters in April. "For us, it's coming in with a clean slate... We're trying to evaluate the players, see what they do well, and we're trying to teach them our way of football."
Wilson highlighted strong DB coaches who will focus on technique, footwork, and simplicity to unlock Banks' potential.

NFL training camp is right around the corner, meaning that the 2026 offseason is nearing its end. As we all look forward to the upcoming regular season, it can also be a fun exercise to reflect on how the offseason went for each team.
That can be a significantly less fun exercise for some teams than it can for others, though. While there were a few rosters around the NFL that took major jumps in 2026, there were others that look weaker on paper than they were going into free agency.
This list is no guarantee that a listed team will regress heading into the new season. However, let’s take a look at six NFL teams that lost more talent than they gained in the 2026 offseason.
When your general manager admits early into free agency that they’re prioritizing the compensatory pick formula over spending, that’s generally a sign that your team is going to do much damage on the open market. That’s the case with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who were pretty quiet during the height of free agency.
The Jaguars were extremely quiet in free agency, letting the likes of Travis Etienne, Devin Lloyd, and Greg Newsome all walk. Though Newsome’s departure shouldn’t be a big issue given their strong cornerback room, Jacksonville now has big holes at running back and linebacker that they didn’t spend big money on, nor did they address in the 2026 NFL Draft.