Giants Could Get Jonathan Taylor Cheaper This Offseason

The New York Giants heavily pursued a trade for Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor at the NFL trade deadline, reportedly offering a second-round pick as well as a fifth in exchange for Taylor's services. They were rebuffed.

The Colts signed Taylor to a two-year extension during the offseason, a deal that keeps him under contract through 2028. For that reason, Indianapolis wasn't in a hurry to move him like it was impending free agents DeForest Buckner, Quenton Nelson and Josh Downs.

That doesn't mean the Colts won't revisit trade talks in the spring.

The problem for Indianapolis? Taylor's price could drop between now and then, opening the door for the Giants to get the three-time Pro Bowler for even cheaper.

Right now, the Colts are working with an interim general manager after firing Chris Ballard. A new GM will likely revisit a Taylor trade after the season, and while they will surely set a high bar, they may not be able to get a huge return.

Taylor turns 28 years old in January, which is considered old for a running back. He has already shown signs of decline this season, averaging a career-low 4.1 yards per carry.

Of course, much of that has to do with his putrid supporting cast, but it could be an indication that the seven-year veteran is on a downturn. It's also important to remember that Taylor has an injury history.

So could New York potentially poach Taylor without even parting with a second-round selection in a few months? Perhaps.

I'm not even saying I would necessarily advise a Taylor trade. He likely has one, maybe two really good years left. Is that worth the risk for the Giants?

Yes, New York could very well be contending for a Super Bowl as soon as 2027 or 2028, so it's at least worth exploring a Taylor trade if the price drops significantly. But the Giants might be able to find their backfield answer in the NFL Draft.

And who knows? Maybe Cam Skattebo will go on an absolute tear here the rest of the way and establish himself as New York's featured back moving forward.

Whatever the case may be, there is a good chance the Colts will have to reduce their demands for Taylor after the season, because it's clear no one was willing to meet them at the deadline. Whether that means the Giants will swoop back in and snatch him remains o be seen.