Giants Have ‘Plan B’ Trade in Mind if They Miss Out on Colts’ Jonathan Taylor
The Giants have made it clear they covet Colts RB Jonathan Taylor, but they reportedly have a fallback trade target in mind too.
The New York Giants have been an unexpected success story for head coach John Harbaugh, currently leading the NFC East with a 4-2-1 record after Week 9. However, their offensive line faces challenges, as Cam Skattebo (418 rushing yards and two touchdowns) missed Sunday's game against the Eagles due to a hamstring injury. Consequently, Devin Singletary has taken over the rushing duties.
This situation has led to speculation that the Giants may pursue Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor ahead of the 4 p.m. ET trade deadline on Tuesday. Harbaugh has expressed strong interest in Taylor, noting his desire for the team to have a running back on the level of Derrick Henry or Saquon Barkley. The primary obstacle lies in the price tag, as Indianapolis has reportedly requested a package similar to what the Carolina Panthers paid for Christian McCaffrey in 2022—a combination of second-, third-, fourth-, and fifth-round draft picks.
On Sunday, NJ.com reported that the Giants' initial offer of a second- and fifth-round pick is no longer viable, and New York appears to be reconsidering their pursuit of Taylor. However, Fox Sports' Ralph Vacchiano believes that the Giants still have a strategic alternative if they fail to secure Taylor. According to Vacchiano, "The New York Giants really want him.
Badly." The only uncertainty revolves around the financial terms. Taylor is 28 years old, and if the Giants secure him, Tennessee's Tony Pollard may serve as the backup option. Pollard, a 29-year-old running back, has amassed 595 rushing yards and six touchdowns in 2023, including 246 yards and five scores in his final two games.
He has also exceeded 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first two seasons with the Titans. Given that Pollard is in the final year of a three-year, $21.75 million contract, he would essentially be a rental signing for the Giants. However, the Titans have expressed reluctance in trading Pollard unless they receive an offer they deem impossible to refuse.
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