The New York Giants are sitting atop the NFC East at 5-2-1, but if their ugly 19-11 Week 9 win over the Philadelphia Eagles told us anything, it's that this team needs upgrades like autumn needs foliage.
Head coach John Harbaugh has made it clear that the G-Men are on the prowl for reinforcements across the roster. And while the current 53-man squad doesn't exactly scream Super Bowl contender, it's worth remembering that paper doesn't win football games. Apparently, neither does looking particularly good against a 2-6 Eagles team.
Harbs has historically been aggressive around the trade deadline, while general manager Joe Schoen tends to take a more reserved approach. Something's gotta give, especially with the deadline set for Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 4 p.m. ET.
With the clock ticking and Big Blue sitting in first place, here's everything Giants fans need to know before the deadline.
- Latest Giants trade rumors
- Giants' draft picks and cap space
- Giants' biggest needs
- Realistic Giants trade targets
- Pipe dream Giants trade targets
Latest Giants trade rumors
The G-Men have been heavily linked to Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, but apparently, negotiations have hit a wall.
According to FOX insider Jay Glazer, the Giants have pulled their offer for the three-time Pro Bowler, reportedly consisting of a second-round pick and a fifth. That fifth-rounder would've had to come from 2028, considering New York already shipped its 2027 fifth to Minnesota for J.J. McCarthy.
That's a pretty significant offer, but the Ponies apparently weren't interested.
However, the New York Post's Ryan Dunleavy reported that Big Blue's proposal was the best Indianapolis had received. So while Schoen might've walked away for now, don't be shocked if the Colts have a change of heart before Tuesday.
Giants' draft picks and cap space
According to Over The Cap, New York currently has $6,514,641 in available salary cap space heading into the deadline.
As for draft capital, the Giants have already parted ways with a decent chunk of their 2027 picks, leaving them with just five selections.
That's probably not something Harbaugh loves, but I'd be willing to bet winning the NFC East for the first time since 2011 in his first season would make him feel a whole lot better. And hey, they can always acquire more picks before the draft. But I digress.
Here's Big Blue's current draft chest:
2027 (five picks):
- Round 1 (own)
- Round 2 (own)
- Round 3 (own)
- Round 6 (own)
- Round 6 (Jaguars)
New York sent its fourth-rounder to Cleveland to move up for Malachi Fields in the 2026 draft, while its fifth went to Minnesota in the McCarthy trade. The seventh-rounder is currently South Beach chillin' in Miami thanks to the Darren Waller trade.
2028 (seven picks):
- Round 1 (own)
- Round 2 (own)
- Round 3 (own)
- Round 4 (own)
- Round 5 (own)
- Round 6 (own)
- Round 7 (Chiefs)
The 2028 war chest gives Schoen considerably more flexibility, although spending those picks now means potentially creating another problem down the road. That's what happens when you put everything on the credit card.
Still, maybe that seventh-rounder from Kansas City in the Joshua Ezeudu trade ends up being more useful than one of the draft's final selections. Stranger things have happened.
Giants' biggest needs
A true RB1
Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr. both missed Sunday's 19-11 win over Philadelphia, and the offense looked every bit like a team missing its top two running backs. But even when they're healthy, the ground-and-pound identity we expected from Harbaugh hasn't quite materialized.
The Giants need someone who can, you know, actually run it down the opponent's throat. Preferably before another game turns into a three-hour exercise in offensive frustration.
Defensive line help
Former Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons would've been an unreal addition to this defense. Unfortunately, the Titans sent him to the Chicago Bears for two first-round picks and a fourth.
That's a bummer with, like, 500 Ms. Still, we move on. But we don't forget. D.J. Reader has been playing out of his mind, but the Giants could desperately use another difference-maker alongside him, particularly against the run.
Offensive line help
For anyone who sat through Sunday's offensive stinker, it became painfully obvious that New York's offensive line isn't good enough right now. Unfortunately, there aren't many obvious upgrades available.
Colts left guard Quenton Nelson would've been an elite addition, but he was ultimately dealt to the Seattle Seahawks. What's with other teams beating Harbs and Co. to the punch? Stop it.
Realistic Giants trade targets
RB Jonathan Taylor, Colts
For lack of a better joke, I guess you could say the Giants are Taylor-made for the three-time Pro Bowler.
He's exactly the kind of workhorse Harbaugh has been looking for, and New York has reportedly already made a serious offer. Whether Indianapolis comes back to the negotiating table is another story. There's obvious interest in bringing in the star back.
RB Tony Pollard, Titans
Pollard wouldn't generate the same excitement as Taylor, but he'd give the Giants an experienced back who can handle a meaningful workload. If the Giants can't land their preferred target, Pollard could be a more affordable alternative.
Harbs has already gone on record saying he doesn't want to bring in a rental, and Pollard is in the final year of his deal. But if he's gung-ho about upgrading the RB room, sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures.
DL A'Shawn Robinson, Buccaneers
A familiar face who could give the Giants' run defense a much-needed boost. Robinson spent the 2023 season in New York, and the 6-foot-3, 320-pound defensive lineman has been an absolute menace against the run this year, posting an 88.5 run-defense grade courtesy of Pro Football Focus.
Pairing him with D.J. Reader would give Dennard Wilson two legitimate run-stuffers up front, and the best part is that Robinson likely wouldn't cost much more than a late-round pick. A potential sixth-rounder for a proven veteran who already knows his way around East Rutherford? Sign me up.
DL Dalvin Tomlinson, Chargers
Another reunion worth considering, Tomlinson spent the first four years of his career with the G-Men after being drafted in the second round in 2017. Bringing him back to East Rutherford would give Big Blue some help along the defensive front.
The 6-foot-3, 325-pounder hasn't been an elite run defender in years, but with just $1.97 million remaining on his expiring deal, he wouldn't cost much financially or in draft capital. If New York can get him for a late-round pick swap, it's hard to find much to complain about.
IOL Ben Bredeson, Buccaneers
Apparently, the Giants' trade deadline shopping list doubles as an alumni directory. Bredeson spent three seasons in New York from 2021 to 2023, and his ability to play all three interior offensive line positions makes him an intriguing option.
The 28-year-old has started all eight games for Tampa Bay this season, posting a 60.6 PFF grade (not that advanced analytics are everything), ranking 43rd out of 75 eligible linemen. He's hardly an All-Pro, but he'd give Big Blue an upgrade over Jon Runyan, that's for sure. He's under contract through 2027, and acquiring him could cost an early Day-3 pick.
Pipe dream Giants trade targets
DL Vita Vea, Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea might be the most impactful player the G-Men could bring in this trade deadline SZN. The 6-foot-4, 347-pound behemoth would instantly make New York's defensive front a whole lot scarier.
The defensive backs and linebackers have actually played pretty well through eight games, but the defensive line remains a concern. Reader is playing out of his mind, but behind him, there's a whole lot of uncertainty and finger-crossing.
Vea is a true space eater who could team up with Reader to free up the pass rushers, giving Dennard Wilson more flexibility without having to send the house every snap. Getting Tampa Bay to actually part with him? Good luck with that.
RB Derrick Henry, Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have publicly stated that future Hall of Fame running back Derrick Henry isn't going anywhere. But they're 4-5, their top two quarterback options are injured, and the 32-year-old is still chasing his first Super Bowl ring. That's not exactly an ideal situation.
What makes a deal less likely is that Baltimore isn't necessarily ready to throw in the towel, especially if Lamar Jackson can return. And even if the Ravens entertained offers, they might not get enough to justify moving King Henry.
Henry has rushed for 4,205 yards and 40 touchdowns in just over two seasons in Charm City. Still, given his age and mileage, it's hard to imagine the Giants needing to surrender premium draft capital to acquire him.
He'd be a massive upgrade in the running back room and give Harbaugh another former Ravens reunion to consider.
IOL Chris Lindstrom, Falcons
Consider Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom the most unrealistic player on Big Blue's wishlist.
The four-time Pro Bowler might not even be available, but how long does he want to keep playing in Atlanta without much hope of a postseason run? It might sound crazy that the Giants are suddenly in a better position to offer Lindstrom meaningful January football, but that's where things stand.
Sunday's win over Philadelphia made it painfully clear that the offensive line is holding this team back. Lindstrom would change that in a hurry.
What would it cost to shake the 29-year-old loose from the Falcons? No clue. Probably a ridiculous amount. But why not get Atlanta on the phone and find out? Let's get unrealistic.
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