Deonte Banks picks inopportune time for highlight-reel moment as Giant with kick return touchdown

Deonte Banks sure picked an inopportune time for arguably the highlight of his Giants career.

The 2023 first-round pick has been a bust during his time with Big Blue, but he has seen plenty of playing time this season due to injuries in the secondary.  

A Giants’ loss to the Raiders on Sunday would have clinched the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft for the team. 

The 34-10 win, however, significantly hurts their chances of earning the top pick, which the Raiders now own, dropping it to 6 percent.

They had dominated most of the game, but Las Vegas crept back into the Week 17 contest at Allegiant Stadium when Geno Smith threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Lockett to cut the Giants’ lead to 20-10 with 31 seconds left in the third quarter.

Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (2) returns a kickoff for a touchdown in the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Banks, who has been the target of plenty of criticism for his cornerback play this season, made that a non-issue on the ensuing play.

He returned the kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown to help put the Giants up 27-10, all but sealing their third win of the season. It was Banks’ first kickoff return for a touchdown in his career.

He was mobbed by his teammates in celebration.

Raiders quarterback Geno Smith threw his second interception of the game shortly after to quell any Las Vegas comeback hopes. 

The Giants finish the season at home against the Cowboys next week.