The New York Giants found themselves exceptionally thin at cornerback after DeAndre Baker was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list and Sam Beal opted out of the season due to COVID-19, which is why they attempted to sign Ross Cockrell.
However, in the aftermath of negotiations falling apart with Cockrell at the last minute, head coach Joe Judge is now saying that bringing in a veteran cornerback is not a priority for the team.
“No, it’s not [a priority],” Judge said bluntly.
Although also not a priority, Judge would not rule out using safety Jabrill Peppers as a cornerback if they deemed it necessary.
“We’re gonna give him a swing of the bat at a lot of things,” Judge said.
What is a priority for the Giants and Judge however, is preparing the players for the 2020 regular season despite the unique circumstances. And as part of that, they will introduce intrasquad scrimmage games beginning next Friday.
“We will have our first one next Friday,” Judge said. “It’s live football all the way through.”
That’s a quick turnaround for the Giants, who had all 80 players on the field for the first time on Wednesday. And while they did have helmets, they will not be permitted to use full pads until Monday — four days prior to their first intrasquad game.
“When the pads come on you’re going to see intensity ramp up,” Judge said.
