# Giants Trade Jonathan Taylor? RB1 Crisis

> Giants may trade for Colts RB Jonathan Taylor to fix backfield but defensive depth is bigger need.
- Title: Giants Trade Jonathan Taylor? RB1 Crisis | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: giants, colts, jonathan taylor, running back, rb1, nfl, defensive line, jackson dart, j.j. mccarthy, cam skattebo, tyrone tracy jr, devin singletary
- Source: New York Giants On SI — https://si.com/nfl/giants/onsi/giants-trade-jonathan-taylor-running-back-rb1-01m5dfs74at0
- Published: 2026-10-20T20:33:59+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: giants, colts, jonathan taylor, running back, rb1, nfl, defensive line, jackson dart, j.j. mccarthy, cam skattebo, tyrone tracy jr, devin singletary
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Giants could trade for Colts running back Jonathan Taylor to address RB1 shortage but prioritize defensive line depth over rushing attack.