
#26 DB · New York Giants
1 transaction this offseason
Height
6'2"
Weight
198 lbs
Age
24
College
Texas A&M
Draft
2023, Rd 5, #160
Experience
3 yrs
DB Rank
#5 / 20
Grade this player:
| Year | Team | GP | INT | PD | Tkl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | ![]() | 47 | 7 | 14 | 148 |
| 2025 | ![]() | 17 | 5 | 9 | 58 |
| 2024 | ![]() | 17 | 0 | 2 | 73 |
| 2023 | ![]() | 13 |
Length
4 years
Total Value
$4.1M
Guaranteed
$302K
AAV
$1.0M/yr
Anthony Johnson's four-year, $4.1M deal with the Giants represents an absolute steal in today's inflated NFL market, earning a stellar A CVI grade that reflects exceptional value extraction by the front office. At just $1.0M per year, the Giants are paying below-market rates for a serviceable starter at one of the league's most premium positions, where even middling defensive backs routinely command $3-5M annually. The minimal guaranteed money ($0.3M) gives New York tremendous structural flexibility while locking in a proven contributor at a bargain-basement price point. Johnson's contract essentially functions as a high-upside, low-risk lottery ticket — if he maintains his current production level, the Giants get elite value; if he regresses, they can move on without meaningful dead money consequences. This type of shrewd roster building allows championship-caliber teams to allocate resources toward marquee free agents while filling depth charts with cost-effective veterans who can actually contribute when called upon.
Anthony Johnson earns a C- for the Giants as a defensive back, a versatile piece in New York's secondary who can play multiple positions. Johnson has the size and physicality to match up against bigger receivers and tight ends, which gives him situational value. However, his coverage speed is limited, and he can be exploited by quick route runners in space. The Giants use him as a chess piece, moving him between safety and cornerback depending on the matchup. He is a useful role player who adds depth and versatility, even if he is not someone you want starting 17 games at a single position.
A quiet roster trim that signals the Giants are still sorting their secondary depth. Headlines questioned whether Johnson could even hold a spot, suggesting minimal organizational investment. The key signal: he was a 2024 failed waiver claim, indicating recurring roster desperation at the position. Fans are frustrated the Giants keep recycling fringe DBs rather than addressing the position meaningfully. New York must now identify a more reliable depth piece to stabilize the backend of their defense.
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Updated Mar 18, 2026
Recent seasons are weighted more heavily in the overall performance grade.
B
2025
(50% weight)
D-
2024
(30% weight)
D-
2023
(20% weight)