Five potential targets for the Giants at the trade deadline
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard runs for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL game in Cincinnati on Nov. 1. Credit: AP/Carolyn Kaster
The Giants face a double task this week after Sunday snapped their 13-game losing streak in Philadelphia. Focus on the Commanders on Thursday, but also get through Tuesday’s trade deadline.
It’s a packed short week but one that could determine how the Giants push for the playoffs. They want to be buyers before Tuesday's 4 p.m. trade deadline. They also know beating the Commanders would avenge their tie last month and further solidify their hold on first place in the NFC East
For John Harbaugh, it’s putting more trust in the front office to handle things. But it doesn’t mean doing nothing while preparing for a game two days after the deadline.
“You want to do everything you can do to make your team as strong as you can right now,” Harbaugh said Monday. “Because we're in the now, and we're told to live in the moment, be where our feet are planted, concern ourselves with today, but that's not at the expense of tomorrow or just prudent planning.”
It’s no secret they want help at running back but they could also use an upgrade at defensive tackle. But the key for the Giants is to acquire players who can help this year and beyond.
Harbaugh stressed being smart but not too cautious since they have something to play for.
“I would say that the now weighs more important than the future, if you're going to put it on a scale, and kind of go from there,” Harbaugh said.
Here are five reasonable targets the Giants can go after by Tuesday for their two greatest needs:
Tony Pollard, RB, Titans
Harbaugh confirmed Sunday the Giants pulled their offer for Colts running back Jonathan Taylor that Fox Sports reported was a second- and fifth-round pick. If that’s true, Pollard should be a pivot target.
Pollard’s an upcoming free agent for the floundering Titans. The 29-year-old has a streak of four 1,000-yard seasons. He’s got burst and can be the No. 1 back in an offense while splitting carries.
He’d be cheap and can still be effective beyond this season. It’s worth a try for a proven back.
Braelon Allen, RB, Jets
Allen could be available with Breece Hall back from injury. Or maybe the Jets keep him as insurance in case Hall has another flare-up.
Allen had four straight games with 100 scrimmage yards prior to Sunday, including three 100-yard games. Why not head across town to see if the third-year vet can be had at the right price?
The Jets aren’t going anywhere. Allen can be an answer, especially if Hall returns to his usual carry load.
Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Buccaneers
Gainwell could be tricky to acquire. He’s a No. 2 back on a 3-6 Tampa Bay team still in contention in the awful NFC South. He’s never been a No. 1 back in his six seasons.
But he’s been productive and a great receiving back. He’s averaging a career-high 4.8 yards per carry this season and his career average of 4.4 yards can add some burst.
He also just signed a two-year, $14 million deal last summer. The Giants can get him cheap and re-evaluate him after next season.
A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Buccaneers
Would Robinson welcome a return to the Giants after being here in the 2023 season? Perhaps. The Giants wouldn’t mind his presence up front next to D.J. Reader.
Reader has been an outstanding free agent signee but the Giants’ run game suffers when he takes breathers. Shelby Harris has been a great complement but the Giants need more help being ranked 21st in run defense and 27th in opponent yards per carry.
That’s where Robinson comes in. At 31, he’s still been effective, and as an upcoming free agent, he could also audition for a long-term spot.
Grover Stewart, DT, Colts
The Colts are in seller mode this deadline. Whether or not Jonathan Taylor stays, other players could be on the move. That’s why the Giants could take a look at Stewart
Stewart is a 10-year vet who spent his whole career in Indianapolis and is an upcoming free agent. Like Reader and Harris, he’s a proven player with a solid track record. Harbaugh has chased older players to fill out the tackle position and Stewart could help the Giants this year and play his way into a fairly cheap deal next season.
ESPN reported Monday the Colts want a fourth-round pick for Stewart at least. The Giants don’t have one or a fifth-round pick in 2027. They do in 2028, and if that’s the price, it might be worth it for Stewart.
As much as the Giants would love a running back upgrade? They need just as much help backing up Reader and Harris. The Giants won’t go far giving up 4.69 yards per carry, especially facing five future opponents ranked in the top 15 in rushing, starting with the Commanders Thursday.
Whatever the Giants do, the time is now to go all in to help this roster push for the playoffs.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
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