Deonte Banks made a notable impact in the New York Giants’ 28-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, dispelling doubts about his ability to translate a strong training camp into regular-season success. Banks recorded four tackles and two passes defended, helping the Giants secure the win.

After a challenging stretch in his career—including a period last season when he did not play any defensive snaps in December—Banks earned a starting role at cornerback over Paulson Adebo, a significant development given Adebo’s team-leading $21.4 million salary cap hit. Although head coach John Harbaugh did not publicly confirm the depth chart changes, Banks’ promotion was evident on the unofficial depth chart and recognized by teammates.

“Deonte did a great job,” said safety Jevón Holland, praising Banks’ energy, attitude, and leadership. “He earned that job for a reason, and I think everybody in the facility would tell you the same thing.”

Banks’ performance was not without faults. In the second quarter, he allowed a 1-yard touchdown reception to CeeDee Lamb, and at one point was visibly corrected by a safety for his positioning. He also struggled with cramping during the second half, resulting in intermittent playing time.

Nevertheless, Banks demonstrated improved effort, particularly in run support, compared to previous seasons. Late in the game, he effectively contained a receiver inbounds during the two-minute drill and disrupted a pass that could have positioned Dallas for a field goal opportunity before halftime. Banks also continued his special teams role as a kickoff returner, a task he took on last season to maintain his contribution to the team.

General manager Joe Schoen’s 2025 free-agent signing, Paulson Adebo, was notably outperformed this summer not only by Banks but also by 2026 free-agent addition Greg Newsome II, prompting questions about the team’s cornerback depth and alignment moving forward.

Banks’ resurgence could signal a turning point for the former first-round pick, who has worked to regain his footing and prove his value to the Giants’ defense after a difficult period in his professional career.