New York Giants cornerback Sam Beal has opted out of the 2020 NFL season, per ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
Giants’ CB Sam Beal officially opted out of the 2020 season, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 5, 2020
Beal is the third Giants player invoking his right to opt out, joining offensive lineman Nate Solder and wide receiver Da'Mari Scott.
The 23-year-old was the first pick in the third round of the 2018 NFL Supplemental Draft, and he made six appearances (including three starts) in his debut campaign with the Giants this past season. Beal recorded 26 tackles, one pass defended and a safety.
Beal figured to, at the very least, provide depth at the corner or nickel spot even after the Giants signed James Bradberry in free agency. His presence seemed even more noteworthy following the arrest of DeAndre Baker, who has since appealed the NFL's decision to place him on the Commissioner Exempt list.
The Giants need a lot more out of their secondary in 2020. New York's defense ranked 31st in terms of passing DVOA last season, and Pro Football Focus ranked the Giants' secondary 27th out of 32 teams. PFF also noted Beal might have been in line for a starting role:
DeAndre Baker struggled badly as a rookie and was beaten for eight touchdowns in total, though his future is somewhat up in the air, given the reported off-field troubles. Beyond Baker, the Giants would be turning to Sam Beal, who played fewer than 300 snaps last year, or one of either Corey Ballentine, Darnay Holmes, Chris Williamson or Montre Hartage. So, for as much as Baker struggled last year, the prospects of a season without him would not be good.
Of course, Beal is no longer a starting option.
The Giants will have to rely on a number of unproven defensive backs on the outside as they hope to be more competitive in 2020.
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