The Steelers took on the Giants, and they ran into a familiar face in the secondary from a few drafts ago. Cornerback was a big need for the team during the 2023 NFL Draft, and there was speculation that the team would take that position in the first round. They ultimately didn’t but landed Joey Porter Jr. with the top pick in the second round.
That cornerback draft class was one of the harder ones to predict. Porter and Christian Gonzalez were viewed as freaky avatar types given their size, while Emmanuel Forbes was extremely productive in school. A late riser was Deonte Banks due to his extreme athleticism, and the Giants took him in the first round at pick 24.
The Steelers keep few secrets during the draft process, and one of the cornerbacks that they showed a lot of interest in was Banks. Some speculated he could have been their first-round target, although most expected him to be in play at pick 32.
The time could be now to have him join the roster.
Deonte Banks could be a cheap trade target for Steelers
Banks had a lot of ups and downs as a rookie which was to be expected given a lot of his raw traits. Heading into year two, the hope was for him to lockdown a starting job at outside cornerback. He hasn’t been able to do that as of yet, and his lows this year have been ugly.
He had some questionable effort on quite a few plays which earned him a spot in the dog house. He was forced into the lineup against the Steelers, but he failed to make any significant plays and had a few mistakes along the way. He was eventually benched because of his poor play.
While cornerback isn’t the team's biggest need, taking a cheap shot at a player with the pedigree that you thought was a fit makes sense. Donte Jackson has played well and should earn a new deal, but he could also get more money elsewhere. No matter, given his age, a long-term second option will be needed.
Banks isn’t that right now, but that could easily change. A new defense and lowered expectations could do him wonders. As well, his speed should make him an asset on special teams. You have him under control for up to three years on his rookie deal as well, so he has plenty of time to turn things around.
Given his struggles, I wouldn’t send anything significant. Either a seventh-round pick or a late-round pick swap. Ideally, he gets a fresh start and rebounds before his career ends. If not, you don’t give up much so what you are risking isn’t that valuable. He makes too much sense with the trade deadline coming up for the NFL.