Even on their bye week, the New York Giants gained ground in the NFC East. They didn't have to lift a finger because the Dallas Cowboys beat themselves in a hilariously back-breaking 33-30 overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey nailed a 35-yard field goal to put them up 27-17 with just under four minutes remaining. The successful boot raised their win probability to 98.7 percent, per ESPN Analytics. The Cardinals looked dead to rights — until they didn't, which could have the Giants' attention.
It's an open secret that New York wants to reel in a huge fish. They've been connected to some of the top names rumored to be available ahead of the NFL's upcoming trade deadline. Whether the club should or is equipped to push chips to the middle of the table is debatable, though Dallas' meltdown makes swinging big tempting.
Cowboys' meltdown vs. Cardinals could alter the Giants' trade deadline plans
Sitting atop the division standings at 4-2-1, the G-Men seem to be actively shopping around for help. On the one hand, following the additional cushion from the Cowboys' defeat to Arizona, standing pat doesn't sound too bad. On the other hand, however, this is a prime opportunity to go for the kill shot.
New York has been one of 2026's most pleasant surprises. No one expected them to be firmly in contention for a home playoff game through seven contests, let alone in the driver's seat. But here we are, and Dallas is the only team with a legitimate chance of standing in the way.
Suddenly, the ball is in the Giants' court. They can truly take a commanding lead over the Cowboys in what's been shaping up as a two-horse race with an all-in move. It's certainly something for general manager Joe Schoen and Big Blue's front office to consider.
The Philadelphia Eagles' hopes were all but shattered once Jalen Hurts' blood clot diagnosis became a season-ending issue. The Washington Commanders are going nowhere fast. The Cowboys are vulnerable and inconsistent; why not be aggressive if you're the Giants?
Who's on the Giants' radar?
Rumblings of superstar running back Jonathan Taylor landing in East Rutherford have gotten louder. Giants head coach John Harbaugh reportedly contacted Tennessee Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk about stalwart defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons before the Chicago Bears swooped in. Washington's Daron Payne was also an option until suffering a Jones fracture, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Evidently, Harbaugh and Co. are prepared to make a splash. They've tried upgrading in the trenches and backfield. Both positions have been weak spots, so their search for reinforcements isn't surprising, frankly.
Actions speak louder than words, as the saying goes. New York's deeds have repeatedly suggested they're losing patience with tailback Cam Skattebo, at least since Harbaugh was hired this offseason. Alas, Taylor might be a bit too rich for a franchise already missing its 2027 fourth-, fifth- and seventh-round picks.
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