Summary:
- Giants reportedly offered Colts a second-and fifth-round pick for Jonathan Taylor.
- New York is dealing with injuries at running back and several other key positions as it pushes for the playoffs.
- Coach John Harbaugh says the Giants remain open to a trade but will not overpay for a short-term solution.
The New York Giants have decided to take back their recent trade offer for Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. Nonetheless, head coach John Harbaugh did not completely rule out reconsidering a potential deal prior to the 2026 NFL trade deadline.
Fox Sports reported Sunday morning that the Giants had offered Indianapolis a second-round and a fifth-round draft pick in exchange for Taylor. Harbaugh addressed the report following New York’s 19-11 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, acknowledging that discussions had taken place but stopping short of confirming the details.
I’m not saying that report’s not true. Those conversations are taking place
Harbaugh said after the game. He added that the Giants were not ruling out moves involving players currently under contract with other teams.
According to ESPN, the Giants and Colts had limited contact during the previous week. Indianapolis, which entered the weekend with a 2-7 record, has maintained a high asking price for Johnathan Taylor despite its difficult season.
New York, meanwhile, is 5-2-1 and leading the NFC East. Adding an established running back could strengthen its offense, particularly with injuries affecting its current options.
Cam Skattebo missed Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury, while Tyrone Tracy Jr. remains on injured reserve with the same issue. Devin Singletary led the backfield against Philadelphia but managed just 31 yards on 21 carries.
Despite the concerns, Harbaugh has clarified that the Giants will not simply make a trade for the sake of adding a fresh player to their roster, as the team is interested in improving its defensive line, where reinforcements could also be necessary.
New York has reportedly explored other defensive options, including Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and Washington Commanders lineman Daron Payne. Simmons was the subject of a personal call from Harbaugh to Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk, while Payne is no longer an option after suffering a season-ending foot injury.
The Giants also have to consider their mounting injury problems elsewhere. Starting quarterback Jaxson Dart and leading pass rusher Brian Burns have both been ruled out for the season. J.J. McCarthy, now the team’s third starting quarterback, also suffered a hip injury during Sunday’s game against Philadelphia, although he returned to the contest.
Harbaugh stressed that any potential acquisition must make sense beyond the immediate season.
I’m not just going to go for a short-term fix at exorbitant cost. That’s not where we’re at
He added that circumstances could still change, leaving the possibility of a renewed approach for Taylor open.
If the right opportunity comes and there’s a deal that makes sense for us, we’ll do it.
With the trade deadline approaching, the Giants still have decisions to make about where to invest their draft capital as they try to strengthen their NFL playoff position without compromising their longer-term plans.
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