Giants' Latest Trade Rumor Proves John Harbaugh is Losing His Mind

The New York Giants want Jonathan Taylor, and you can absolutely understand why.

Taylor has long been one of the best running backs in football, and with the Giants' rushing attack being more than questionable this season, he would be a great fit.

But at what cost?

The NFL trade deadline is next Tuesday, and the Indianapolis Colts are in fire sale mode. They've already dealt defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and guard Quenton Nelson. Wide receiver Josh Downs could be on the move, as well.

Then, there's Taylor, who signed a two-year extension with Indianapolis over the summer, but might not fit into the club's long-term plans. Especially after the firing of long-time general manager Chris Ballard.

Enter the Giants, who recently cut Najee Harris and placed Tyrone Tracy on injured reserve. Cam Skattebo had a breakout performance against the Houston Texans in New York's most recent game, but he is now battling a hamstring injury.

The Giants are sitting atop the putrid NFC East at 4-2-1, this in spite of quarterback Jaxson Dart, edge rusher Brian Burns and now linebacker Tremaine Edmunds all being out for the remainder of the season.

It has been a coaching masterclass by John Harbaugh, who has certainly been around the block a few times.

But now, Harbaugh may be overplaying his hand just a bit.

New York is in hot pursuit of Taylor, but the Colts are maintaining a firm asking price. Possibly even as high as a first-round pick, per Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports.

The real kicker? Vacchiano says "it's clear" that Harbaugh would do that, and an NFL scout stated the Giants see a grand opportunity in the NFC East.

But trading a first-round for a running back? One with a checkered injury history and with significant tread on his tires? Has Harbaugh lost it?

Taylor is fantastic, but he turns 28 years old in January. That would be fine if he were a wide receiver or a tight end, but he isn't. He plays the most grueling position in the sport, and 28 to 29 years old is typically the age halfbacks start to decline.

Obviously, Derrick Henry bucked that trend, but he is an exception; not the rule.

And if we're being honest, Taylor has already exhibited signs of a downturn this season, averaging a career-low 4.1 yards per carry.

Of course, that could be a direct result of the lack of support around him, but it's still something to keep in mind as the Giants go nuclear in an attempt to trade for him.

Harbaugh loves the ground game. He always has. And because he had Henry for two years in Baltimore, he might be under the impression that all running backs age gracefully. That just isn't the case.

New York has too many other needs — defensive tackle, cornerback, wide receiver, etc. — to waste a first-round draft pick on an aging running back.

I like the fact that Taylor is under contract through 2028, so the Giants wouldn't have to worry about him walking any time soon. But what if his production tanks over the next year? Then you just parted with a top draft choice for almost nothing.

Big Blue might win the NFC East this season. But it isn't winning a Super Bowl. Not this winter. Acquiring Taylor won't change the fact that New York is missing its starting quarterback and its best defensive player.

The Giants should not even think about moving a first-rounder in any trade for a running back; let alone one who has as much mileage as Taylor.

Some feel Taylor could be moved for a second-round selection plus some extra picks. To be quite frank, I wouldn't even do that. I would maybe offer a second-rounder and call it a day.

Harbaugh cannot lost sight of the long view here. Overpaying for Taylor could severely harm everything the Giants have been building.