The New York Giants are sitting pretty in the NFC East, but a push for Jonathan Taylor could cost them the future. The team now leads the division even after star quarterback Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending injury early in the year. Despite this loss, they have won games and climbed the standings. Now, reports say they are chasing a star running back to keep that momentum going. But the price tag might be too steep for a team that is still rebuilding.
According to Heavy.com, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the asking price from the Colts is “believed to be too high right now.” Schultz also noted that the Vikings, Broncos, Bengals, and Packers have checked in on the deal. The consensus is that a trade is “leaning to be more likely than not at this point.” The Giants have struggled at running back all season. Cam Skattebo had a big game against the Texans, but he has fumbled issues. Tyrone Tracy Jr. is out with a hamstring injury, and Devin Singletary has not produced consistent yardage.
The Cost of a Quick Fix
John Harbaugh wants a bell-cow back, and Taylor fits that role perfectly. Through seven games, Taylor has accumulated 140 carries, 587 yards, and eight touchdowns. He is a top talent on a team that is tearing apart its roster. The Colts have already traded Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner. They want a strong return for Taylor, who is signed through 2028. Elite Sports NY reported that the Colts have received at least one offer including a second-round pick. The problem is that the Giants are thin on draft capital. They have already traded their fourth, fifth, and seventh-round picks for 2027.
Why The Giants Should Wait
Ted Nguyen of The Athletic argues that this move is a classic mistake. On X, he wrote that “Giants going after Jonathan Taylor is a classic team that’s ‘ahead of schedule’ mistake, IMO”. The analyst questions if the Giants are truly one running back away from being a true contender. The team has a clear identity under Harbaugh, but they are not Super Bowl contenders just yet. Yahoo Sports points out that New York is incredibly thin on draft capital and cannot afford to trade away more assets for a short-term fix.
Nguyen also argues that “[Taylor] should be for a contender trying to go over the top”. The Giants are not there yet. They need to build through the draft and wait for the right time. Trading away future picks for a player who might only be a rental is a risky move. The team needs to think about the long term, not just the next few weeks. The NFC East is up for grabs, but the cost of winning it now might be losing the future. The Giants must decide if they want a quick fix or a lasting solution.
