It's only a matter of time before the buzz surrounding the New York Giants' seemingly big trade deadline plans comes to pass. They've been heavily linked to Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor, albeit to no avail (so far), and that might be for the best.
The Giants and Colts reportedly couldn't agree on terms for a blockbuster swap that sent Taylor to East Rutherford. Their stalemate has reached the point where the NFC East leaders have taken the previous offer of a second- and fifth-round pick off the table. While the two sides can try hammering out a deal again (until Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. ET), New York should let it go.
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, as the saying goes. In football terms, a tailback can only do so much when the guys up front are generating little push. Moving the ball effectively on the ground is a collaborative effort, as Big Blue learned the hard way in Week 9.
For better or worse, veteran Devin Singletary was the only show in town for New York's colossal 19-11 road victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. If his hugely underwhelming performance behind the club's struggling offensive line is any indication, Taylor's more of a luxury than a necessity.
Jonathan Taylor (or any RB trade) won’t solve the Giants’ running woes overnight
Starter Cam Skattebo missed the Giants' win in Philly because of a hamstring injury. His absence thrust Singletary into an every-down role, and frankly, the results left a lot to be desired. Much of that can be pinned on the ball-carrier's lack of juice, though the O-line didn't help in the slightest — a recurring theme in 2026.
Through eight games, the G-Men rank 27th in adjusted rushing yards before contact per attempt (1.66), excluding the Minnesota Vikings-Buffalo Bills Monday Night Football clash. In other words, they're getting manhandled in the trenches on offense. No one stands much of a chance when the team is getting overpowered at the line of scrimmage, not even someone as great as Taylor.
New York has created very few holes to plow through. Singletary was stonewalled early and often against the Eagles, as evidenced by a 71.4 percent stuff rate on his 21 totes. For context, the league average for RBs this season is 45.9 percent.
Of course, the players we're specifically talking about are worlds apart in talent. Singletary is on the back nine of a quietly solid career and clearly not suited for workhorse usage at this stage, and Skattebo's a fine option. Taylor, who turns 28 in January, is in his prime and a pillar of any franchise he represents.
However, as badly as head coach John Harbaugh wants his Giants to play bully ball and run it down opponents' throats, they aren't built for it. Adding a playmaker of Taylor's caliber can obviously be a massive step in the right direction, but he's not the be-all and end-all solution. In fact, the front office should consider addressing a different position entirely to help make life easier for Skattebo, Singletary and Co., like wide receiver.
Note: Advanced metrics courtesy of Fantasy Points' data suite and data suite 2.0 (subscription required for both).
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