New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart drew praise from head coach John Harbaugh during an August 10, 2026, training camp practice after sliding to avoid contact during a critical situation drill. Meanwhile, cornerback Deonte Banks is staging an unexpected camp comeback under a new defensive staff.
Training camp brings its share of breathless overreactions and premature obituaries. For the New York Giants, August has instead delivered a pair of compelling developments in the team’s secondary and backfield.
Jaxson Dart Avoids Contact in Critical Situation Drill
During a team period simulating a game-winning drive on Monday, August 10, 2026, quarterback Jaxson Dart faced a high-pressure scenario. Scrambling outside the pocket, he cut toward the sideline and made a decision that plagued him during his rookie year: he slid instead of absorbing a hit.
The choice drew immediate praise and audible cheers from teammates and coaching staff alike. Head coach John Harbaugh expressed clear approval for the young quarterback’s newfound discipline in protecting himself and keeping the drive alive.
“We had a great play. It came open. He ran around the corner. Got the first down. Slid in bounds. Kept the clock running. All those things were well done.”
John Harbaugh, New York Giants Head Coach
The positive moment offset a brief blemish earlier in the same practice session, when Jaxson Dart threw an interception that safety Ar’Darius Washington deflected directly to defensive lineman Darius Alexander, who returned it for a touchdown. Dart also briefly nicked his foot after getting stepped on early in team drills, though his foot proved to be fine.
Deonte Banks Resurfaces in Camp Under Dennard Wilson
On the defensive side of the ball, cornerback Deonte Banks is attempting to rewrite a career trajectory that seemed all but finished. Selected 23rd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Maryland, Banks flashed elite measurables, running the 40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds.
Pre-draft evaluations recognized his raw athletic traits. NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote in his 2023 pre-draft evaluation that Banks possessed a perimeter corner with desired blend of size, strength and athleticism,
while adding that he struggles to play with poise and awareness when his back is to the football.
Those struggles manifested on the field. After starting across his first two seasons, Deonte Banks was benched and relegated to special teams work during the 2025 campaign, starting just six games at cornerback. Pro Football Focus ranked him 112th out of 114 qualifying cornerbacks last season.
Anticipating a parting of ways, the front office declined the $12.6 million fifth-year option on his contract on May 1. Bleacher Report analyst Moe Moton subsequently urged the franchise to trade the former first-rounder for whatever late-round compensation a cornerback-needy team might offer.
Training Camp Competition in the Giants Secondary
Despite trade speculation and a crowded cornerback room featuring recent additions like Greg Newsome II and second-round draft pick Colton Hood, Deonte Banks has found new life under head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. Big Blue Film Room highlighted the shift on social media, noting that there is serious competition for the Giants starting cornerback positions,
and confirming that Banks (is) in that mix.
The defensive backfield also saw other notable plays during Monday’s workout. Paulson Adebo—signed to a $54 million deal last offseason—intercepted Jameis Winston during team drills after recording just one interception all of last season.
Health remains a fluid situation as the Giants prepare to open their preseason slate on Saturday, August 15, at home against the Minnesota Vikings. Outside linebacker Abdul Carter missed practice with a hand or finger injury, though Harbaugh expects him back shortly. Center John Michael Schmitz (concussion), wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee), and offensive lineman Lucas Patrick (knee) also sat out. Wide receiver Jalin Hyatt exited practice late in a scary moment, but Harbaugh indicated he should be fine, while defensive lineman Chauncey Golston left early after his head hit the turf.
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