From New York Giants On SI · · 2m
Giants Trade Jonathan Taylor? RB1 Crisis
Giants may trade for Colts RB Jonathan Taylor to fix backfield but defensive depth is bigger need.
In brief
Giants may trade for Colts RB Jonathan Taylor to fix backfield but defensive depth is bigger need. Giants could trade for Colts running back Jonathan Taylor to address RB1 shortage but prioritize defensive line depth over rushing attack. Originally reported by New York Giants On SI.
Madden's QB Warning
Legendary NFL head coach-turned-broadcaster John Madden once said, 'If you have two quarterbacks, you have none.'
“If you have two quarterbacks, you have none.”
Giants' RB1 Crisis
After releasing Najee Harris, head coach John Harbaugh waits for Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr., or Devin Singletary to claim the RB1 job.
Why No One Claims RB1
Skattebo fumbles four times this season, including one on a critical scoring drive against Washington. Tracy has pass protection questions. Singletary lacks explosiveness.
Rushing Attack Decline
Giants' rushing attack dropped to 16th in rushing yards (629) and 22nd in yards per carry after losing Jaxson Dart's mobility.
Opposing Defenses
Opposing defenses loaded the box with eight or more defenders on 77 of Giants' rushing attempts, the sixth most in the NFL.
Taylor's Contract
Jonathan Taylor, 27, signed a $44 million extension with $39 million guaranteed. If traded, new team avoids $7.562 million prorated signing bonus.
Taylor's Stats
Since 2020, Taylor ranks second in total rushing yards (8,090) behind Derrick Henry. He has four 1,000-yard seasons and led league in rushing yardage in 2021.
Trade Comparison
Giants would need to split draft picks between 2027 and 2028 to acquire Taylor, similar to 49ers' 2021 trade for Christian McCaffrey.
Waiting on Draft
Giants could wait for 2027 draft to find candidates like Florida's Jadan Baugh, Missouri's Ahamad Hardy, or Mississippi's Kewan Lacy.
QB Factor
Giants might roll with J.J. McCarthy at quarterback, a mobile signal caller who could open up running backs' opportunities.
Defensive Priority
Giants should prioritize defensive line depth over trading for a running back to fix backfield issues.
Trade Decision
Giants may trade for Jonathan Taylor but defensive line depth is a bigger need than RB1 stability.
Why Taylor Makes Sense
Taylor is a legitimate threat as a receiver out of the backfield with four 1,000-yard seasons and league-leading rushing yardage in 2021.
Colts GM Change
Colts dismissed general manager Chris Ballard this week, reportedly making Jonathan Taylor a trade candidate.
What it means
Giants could trade for Colts running back Jonathan Taylor to address RB1 shortage but prioritize defensive line depth over rushing attack.
