New York Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins has fallen out of favor with the NFL experts in recent seasons, but is he the most overpaid player on the roster?
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox made a list of the most overpaid players on each team in the NFL and came up with Jenkins for the Giants.
Janoris Jenkins may be the New York Giants’ top cornerback, but he isn’t an elite cornerback-at least not anymore.
Jenkins joined the Giants on a five-year, $62.5 million deal in 2016 and was a Pro Bowler in his first season. He’s been a reliable starter in New York but hasn’t lived up to his contract value. He also struggled with consistency in 2018-by late October, Jenkins had allowed 37 receptions for 513 yards and six touchdowns on 50 targets, according to Pro Football Focus.
There’s no reason to believe that the Giants will part with Jenkins because he’s still a solid corner. However, being solid doesn’t justify a $14.8 million cap hit, which is what Jenkins will carry in 2019.
This spot likely would have been taken by defensive end Olivier Vernon, who was traded from New York to the Cleveland Browns during the offseason. Vernon was Knox’s choice for the Browns’ most overpaid player.
It is certainly true Jenkins has seen his play fall off dramatically since his first season with Big Blue, but there is more value there for Jenkins this season than just his play alone.
Not to mention, Jenkins has been slowed by injuries the past few years, so there’s still reason for optimism if he can stay healthy. It’ll also be interesting to see if a healthy Jenkins can thrive in what has become a less toxic locker room.
The 30-year-old corner is a familiar face in a sea of new players in the secondary. Guys like second-year corner Sam Beal (who is basically a rookie not having played last season) and 2019 draft picks Deandre Baker and Corey Ballentine are all part of the revamped secondary the Giants will be running out there this coming season.
Big Blue will hope Jenkins can not only play at a higher level, but will also be looking for the veteran to mentor and help bring along the aforementioned youngsters. Jenkins’ experience will be invaluable in that regard.
Had the Giants parted ways with Jenkins, he would have left an already questionable secondary in more turmoil and cost the team a $7 million cap hit. Clearly that wasn’t an option.
Jenkins does still have plenty of value for the Giants, despite the flaws he has shown the past few seasons. Does it merit the money he’s making? Perhaps not, but it’s not like the G-Men are just flushing money down the toilet when it comes to their top corner.
