PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 04: William Gay #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates a defensive stop with James Harrison #92 in the first half during the game against the New York Giants at Heinz Field on December 4, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

The New York Giants have added another defensive back to their secondary.

Big Blue has signed 11-year veteran cornerback William Gay, according to his agent Jerrold Colton.

Thrilled that William Gay will be continuing his outstanding career as he signs w/ @Giants for what will be his 12th @NFL season! #bigplay — Jerrold Colton (@Jerrold_Colton) April 5, 2018

The former fifth-round pick out of Louisville has played in 176 games and spent 10 of his 11 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has played a full 16-game slate every year of his NFL career.

New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman has already signed cornerbacks Curtis Riley, B.W. Webb, and Teddy Williams this offseason. He also inked free safety and special teams ace Michael Thomas to a two-year contract.

After an injury-plagued season, Gettleman is making sure to address the team’s lack of depth. But much like Thomas, Gay’s signing could have a bigger impact than expected in 2018.

Can Gay Have a Career Resurgence?

The 33-year-old defensive back is coming off one of the worst seasons of his 11-year career. Gay didn’t log a start in 2017 but did record three passes defended, one interception, and two forced fumbles.

He earned a 51.4 grade from Pro Football Focus for his play this past season but is just one year removed from an 82.9 grade in 2016. The 5-foot-10, 187-pound cornerback started nine games that season and recorded 58 tackles, seven passes defended, one interception, and a forced fumble.

The question is how much does Gay have left in the tank?

The Giants have a desperate need for an upgrade at slot cornerback after cutting Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Donte Deayon is currently projected to be the team’s starting slot cornerback. He has played in just four games since entering the league in 2016.

Adding Gay gives Big Blue another option, and a player with plenty of experience covering the slot. The hope is that Gay can have a career resurgence under newly appointed defensive coordinator James Bettcher.

Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams did just that in his sole season under Bettcher in Arizona. Pro Football Focus gave Williams the highest grade (88.8) of his NFL career in 2017. To be fair, Williams has shown more consistency than Gay when comparing the first 10 years of their NFL careers, but his improved play in Bettcher’s system is surely worth noting.

While having a career-year like Williams may be a long-shot for Gay, it’s not unreasonable to believe he could earn the starting slot role this upcoming season.

Bettcher consistently got the most out of his players in Arizona. He plans to do the same with Big Blue, via New York’s team website.

You hang your hat on the things that mean the most and those things are, again, being relentless, playing hard, playing smart and playing physical in the game.”

The Giants will likely look to add more competition to the cornerback position in the upcoming draft. But don’t be surprised if Gay has a bounce-back season in the Big Apple.