Adoree’ Jackson had a lengthy spell on the open market come to an end once he took a visit with the Giants last week. That move immediately resulted in a contract being worked out, one which will allow the veteran corner to resume his New York tenure. 
Jackson signed a three-year, $39MM deal in 2021 to join the Giants; he operated as a starting corner throughout that time. 2023 was not a strong season, however, as the 28-year-old allowed a 95.5 passer rating and 65.9% completion percentage in coverage. Allowing his contract to expire in March, the team made other moves in the secondary. The starting CB spot opposite Deonte Banks remained a question mark entering roster cuts, though, and Jackson could reprise his first-team defensive role.
The 28-year-old spoke to the media on Monday while reflecting on his free agency. He said (via Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post) he did not visit any other teams prior to meeting with the Giants. That explains his months-long spell on the market, and it also underscores the mutual interest which existed in a New York reunion. Jackson added he did not make a starting gig a condition of his decision to re-sign, but he did seek out signs from the team that he was “truly wanted back” (h/t Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News).
A full-time starting spot may not be feasible for Jackson in Week 1 given the short turnaround from his signing to the start of the regular season. He will be an option to log at least a rotational in the secondary, though, and he could also make an impact on special teams. With Gunner Olszewski not at full strength, head coach Brian Daboll named Jackson (via Dunleavy) as a candidate to handle punt return duties.
Jackson regularly handled punts during part of his tenure in Tennessee, totaling 50 returns across the 2017 and ’18 seasons. He has not been used in that role very much since then, but 2024 could see him fill in for Olszewski on a temporary basis if needed. Jackson is on a one-year deal, and his value will be determined by his success in whatever role he winds up carving out for himself upon returning to New York.