Cornering the Market

Gettleman wastes no time filling a desperate need

- Chris Bisignano

Say this for Giants general manager Dave Gettleman, he wastes no time filling needs.

The signing of cornerback James Bradberry was not a want, it was a need, a desperate need.

The Giants could not enter the 2020 season without an experienced starting cornerback to rely upon, one that can lead the way for the youngsters currently on the roster.

On the first day free agents and teams could negotiate contracts, Bradberry and the Giants agreed to a three-year deal worth $43.5 million, with $31 million in guaranteed money.

Bradberry is no stranger to Gettleman, as he selected him in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Samford when Gettleman was running the show in Carolina.

“A tight coverage corner. A player we feel can play tight coverage when needed,” Gettleman said after the selection. “We feel James is a guy we can leave on an island or play an effective zone. We’re happy to add him to the roster.”

Gettleman hit on the pick. Bradberry started 13, 16, 16 and 15 games in his

four years in Carolina, establishing himself as one of the league’s better cover corners. At 6’ 1” and 212 lbs., he is big enough to cover wide receivers like Mike Evans.