After a protracted, multi-week search for Wink Martindale’s replacement, the New York Giants eventually named their next defensive coordinator on Monday evening. Shane Bowen, the former defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, will now be with the Giants in 2024, and ideally much after this season as well.
To maximize Bowen’s defense, New York will need to bolster the defense with talent, especially in the secondary. Adoree’ Jackson, a seasoned wide receiver, will soon become a free agency and is unlikely to sign a deal this offseason. With only a few corners in tow, CB Deonte Banks will start his second season as the team’s best cover man.
This offseason, the Giants must acquire more depth at cornerback via free agency. Since Sean Murphy-Bunting is an unrestricted free agent this offseason and may sign to start opposite Banks this season, they might try to reconnect Bowen with the former Titans CB.
What potential does Sean Murphy-Bunting have for the Giants?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected 26-year-old cornerback Murphy-Bunting in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. In his first four seasons in the league, he proved to be a reliable starter, but in the summer before, his market didn’t really materialize. Murphy-Bunting agreed to a $3.5 million, one-year prove-it contract with the Titans during the previous summer.
Last season, Murphy-Bunting emerged as a vital component of the Titans’ defense. As one of the Titans’ two starting perimeter cornerbacks in 14 starts in 2023, he racked up 57 combined tackles, three tackles for loss, eight passes defended, and two interceptions.
As the Titans’ starting cornerback, Bowen trusted Murphy-Bunting to cover the best wide outs on the other team. The degree of trust that exists between Murphy-Bunting and Bowen may make him a desirable free agent choice for the Giants.
Can Murphy-Bunting be signed by the Giants at any cost?
Although the Giants’ secondary is young, it would be advantageous to acquire a defender with experience like Murphy-Bunting. They require more expertise in their secondary, and Murphy-Bunting might be able to provide it at a reasonable cost.
Murphy-Bunting’s average yearly compensation is only expected to be worth $6.7 million, according to Spotrac. This summer, he is expected to sign a two-year, $13.5 million contract in free agency, which is within the Giants’ reasonable budget.
In addition, Murphy-Bunting could be available for less than the anticipated $6.7 million compensation, given that his previous deal was only $3.5 million. Murphy-Bunting’s signing may provide Bowen’s defense some consistency while he’s with the Giants and give the secondary a dependable, seasoned presence. Murphy-Bunting’s abilities are reasonably priced, so the Giants should be keeping an eye on him this offseason.
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