The Giants are off to an 0-4 start, and have several players who NFL teams could target at the trade deadline, including Evan Engram and Markus Golden
As the NFL trade deadline approaches, the rebuilding and winless Giants should absolutely be sellers, and the roster has several players who could be attractive to contending teams looking to fill a void to make a stretch run.
Whether it’s a veteran pass rusher such as Markus Golden buried on the depth chart, an affordable contract such as tight end Evan Engram or safety Jabrill Peppers, it won’t be a surprise if general manager Dave Gettleman’s phone is among the most active in the league in coming weeks.
“They’re going to get calls on guys playing on the last year of their deals, you can bet on that,” a current NFL general manager tells GMenHQ, on the condition of anonymity as he is not allowed to comment on other teams. “So, that probably rules Golden Tate out at his age and salary. But, guys like Evan Engram, Markus Golden, and Leonard Williams will possibly draw a lot of interest.”
Engram is playing on a fifth-year option and is off to a bit of a disappointing start with the Giants’ passing game stuck in neutral, Williams is playing on the franchise tag and off to the most dominant start of his career, and Golden seems miscast for defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s scheme. So, it would seem possible that the Giants would be open to trading any of the players mentioned by the GM.
Here’s a look at the five Giants most likely to be dealt ahead of the deadline, and some possible fits for each player:
EDGE- Markus Golden
Golden has seen his playing time decreased significantly since rejoining the Giants prior to training camp in August. One year removed from a 10-sack season, Golden has yet to produce a sack, has just three tackles, six total pressures, and has only appeared in 60 defensive snaps. Golden is a high-motor player, with a track record of being able to get after the quarterback.
“Markus has been a very productive player in this league,” Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said last week “He’s a smart football player, has some savviness to him and has been productive and has a skillset. I have to find ways to use him more.”
Yet, Golden remains buried in the Giants’ outside linebacker rotation.
“Markus does a great job,” Graham added. “He works really hard at practice and he’s been productive for us for the plays he’s been out there. It’s just all based on gameplan how we use guys.”
The Giants brought Golden Back this season on a one-year deal worth $3.75 million, but he has only appeared in 67 total defensive snaps, including just 12 percent of plays in Sunday’s loss to the Rams.
If a contending team is in need of a pass-rusher, and strong veteran leadership voice, offering the Giants a draft pick might be worthwhile for all parties involved.
Potential fits: Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders
S – Jabrill Peppers
Peppers, 24, is playing out this season on his fifth-year option, which gives him an easily acquirable contract. Despite suffering injuries the past two seasons, Peppers is the type of player capable of making an impact on special teams as well as on defense.
However, Peppers missed Sunday’s game with an ankle injury suffered last Sunday, after suffering a season-ending back injury against the Bears last November that cost him the final five games of 2019.
Before getting injured, According to Pro Football Focus, Peppers is holding opponents to 7.5 yards per reception, when opposing quarterbacks target him, and has already produced 10 total tackles in 137 snaps through two-plus games.
However, not everyone in league circles believes Peppers will be dealt.
“I don’t think he’s played up to the expectations for him coming out of Michigan,” a current scout tells GMenHQ. “So, because of that, there might not be that strong of a market for him.”
Still, the combination of Peppers’ age, expiring contract, and ability to make an impact on special teams as well as contribute at safety could draw interest.
Potential landing spots: Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders, Baltimore Ravens
TE – Evan Engram
The Giants have long believed Evan Engram has the potential to be a game-altering weapon in the passing game, but he is off to the most disappointing start to his career.
Through four weeks, Engram has caught 17 of his 30 targets for 131 yards and has yet to score a touchdown. The Giants’ offense is averaging just 11.7 points per game, but Engram is second on the team in receiving yards despite a team-high 30 targets.
Prior to this season, the Giants picked up Engram’s fifth-year option, after he was unable to play a full season during the first three years of his career.
Still, despite his injury history and the limitations of the Giants’ offense this season, one current scout believes teams will be burning Gettleman’s phone line if Engram is available.
“Teams are going to want Engram for one simple reason,” the scout tells GMenHQ. “He’s a Jordan Reed clone.”
However, former Tennessee Titans general manager and NFL Executive of The Year Jeff Diamond is skeptical the Giants will wind up moving Engram.
“He’s such a young and talented player,” Diamond tells GMenHQ. “It would take a great offer.”
The Giants must decide whether Engram’s inability to stay healthy and his recent inconsistency to start this season are worth committing to long team. If the answer is no, a change of scenery for Engram and a draft pick in return for the rebuilding Giants may be even more valuable.
Potential landing spots: Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans
DB Logan Ryan
The Giants signed Ryan back in August to provide some veteran stability in a secondary in dire need of it, as well as to replace versatile rookie Xavier McKinney in a hybrid safety/cornerback role.
Ryan has played at a high level, producing 18 total tackles while holding opposing quarterbacks to an 80 passer rating when targeting him while garnering a 64.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.
The Giants aren’t going to be competing for the playoffs this season, and there is a chance could return as early as next month from a fractured foot. Competent cornerback play is essential for competitive defenses, so Ryan could find a market because of the quality film he’s put out this season and the fact that he’s playing on a one-year contract.
It would be the best case scenario for the Giants if a team offers a draft pick, especially if it looks like McKinney is healthy enough to return to gain valuable playing experience as a rookie.
Potential landing spots: Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears
DL – Leonard Williams
Leonard Williams is off to the most productive start to his career, and could be in the midst of playing his way into a big-money long-term contract.
Through the first four games of the season, Williams has already produced 18 tackles, two sacks, and four tackles for loss.
The Giants view Williams as a centerpiece of the rebuilt defensive line, that was evident when Dave Gettleman traded a third-round pick to the Jets to acquire him with eight games remaining in 2019, despite the fact that the Giants were 2-6 at the time.
However, Williams, at 26, is in the prime of his career and if the Giants are not willing to commit top-dollar to him this offseason, it might be prudent to deal him to a contender and recoup an asset rather than gambling on not being able to re-sign him and hoping to land a potential compensatory pick.
Possible landing spots: Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens
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