The New York Giants are in the mix for star running back Jonathan Taylor, whose future with the Indianapolis Colts appears uncertain. But there's another playmaker in the AFC South quietly making a strong case to join the NFC East leaders: the Tennessee Titans' Tony Pollard.
Giants fans have their sights set on Taylor, and rightfully so. He's an elite player in his prime and gettable ahead of the NFL's upcoming trade deadline amid the Colts' ongoing fire sale. Adding him would almost instantly raise New York's ceiling and floor, though Pollard reminded us that there are plenty of other fish in the sea.
With Tennessee dropping to 1-7 and going nowhere fast this season, Pollard is an interesting non-Taylor option the G-Men can pursue.
Titans RB Tony Pollard turns in strong audition for Giants ahead of trade deadline
While the Titans fell short in a thrilling 43-36 overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, Pollard had a monster day. He turned 21 carries into 117 rushing yards and two touchdowns, adding another 20 yards on three catches. It was his second consecutive massive showing, and the timing couldn't be better.
We're only days away from the Nov. 10 cutoff date for any deals. Pollard is doing his part to convince contenders that he can genuinely bolster their playoff push down the stretch, and Tennessee has begun selling off parts. New York is searching for backfield reinforcements and has been floated as a potential landing spot for him.
Pollard has been on an absolute tear over the past two games, and the numbers back it up. 69 RBs have logged at least five carries during this stretch, and he's one of them. The veteran ranks at or near the top in the following key categories, courtesy of Pro Football Focus ($):
- First in rushing touchdowns (five)
- First in yards after contact (222)
- Tied for second in breakaway yards (115)
- Fourth in rushing yards (246)
- Fourth in missed tackles forced (10)
- Tied for 17th in yards per attempt (5.3)
Impressively, Pollard's efficiency hasn't been buoyed by explosives. He's recorded six 10-plus-yard runs across his last two contests. The ex-Dallas Cowboy has consistently moved the chains and operated as the engine of a Titans squad that scored 60 points, albeit in back-to-back defeats.
Honestly, Pollard has been so good that Big Blue ought to consider choosing him over Taylor if given the chance. Logistically speaking, bringing in the former may also prove far superior in the short and long term.
The Giants should strongly considering prioritizing Tony Pollard over Jonathan Taylor
It's remarkable that New York is even on the shortlist of possible Taylor destinations. Their interest in him speaks to the pleasantly surprising campaign they've enjoyed so far. The club has enough belief to contemplate swinging for the fences, yet Pollard might be the more sensible target.
Indianapolis has already turned down an offer that included a 2027 second-round selection "plus an additional pick," per The Ringer's Tom Pelissero. In other words, it'll take a significant haul to pry the three-time Pro Bowler from the Colts. A Giants team that's already short on draft capital can't really afford to give up a bunch of assets, especially for a non-premium position.
Turning 30 this offseason and on an expiring contract, Pollard's price tag can't be too high. Tennessee will be happy to recoup value for a guy who isn't a part of their future, let alone beyond 2026. He can provide some much-needed help for the Giants and be treated as a true rental; it'd be the best of both worlds.
Not to mention, New York's head coach, John Harbaugh, has already gone out of his way to negotiate with the Titans. He reportedly contacted Tennessee owner Amy Adams Strunk directly about Jeffery Simmons' availability before the standout defensive tackle was sent to the Chicago Bears.
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