The New York Giants escaped Philadelphia with a victory, but their rushing attack delivered a warning that should resonate louder than the celebration. In Sunday’s 19-11 win over the Eagles, New York managed 80 rushing yards on 31 attempts. Starting running back Devin Singletary produced just 31 yards on 21 carries.
Winning the NFC East requires surviving ugly afternoons. Making a postseason run demands an offense that can dictate terms.
That is why the Giants should revisit Jonathan Taylor trade talks with one final, unmistakable Godfather offer: first-, third- and fourth-round selections in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Eagles win exposed the Giants’ backfield problem
With Cam Skattebo sidelined by a hamstring injury, Singletary received his first start since Week 2 of last season. His expanded workload did not translate into consistent production, leaving New York without a dependable conventional rushing threat.
The Giants deserve credit for winning anyway. However, a division victory should not obscure the difference between controlling a game and navigating around an offensive weakness.
Taylor would give New York a runner defenses must account for before the snap. The envisioned benefit is not simply more rushing yards. A credible ground threat could create more manageable passing situations, strengthen play-action opportunities and help the Giants protect leads without repeatedly asking their quarterbacks to rescue possessions.
There is an important limitation, Taylor cannot repair every blocking breakdown. Philadelphia’s interior disruption contributed to New York’s struggles, and acquiring a star runner would not eliminate the need for better execution up front.
Still, improving the talent carrying the football would give the offense another answer when its initial plan stalls.
The final Godfather trade offer for Jonathan Taylor
New York should make its proposed package straightforward:
Giants receive:
- RB Jonathan Taylor
Colts receive:
- A 2027 first-round draft pick
- A 2027 third-round draft pick
- A 2027 fourth-round draft pick
That represents a substantial escalation from the Giants’ previously reported second- and fifth-round offer.
The justification for returning with more is that Taylor would not be a short-term rental. He signed a two-year, $44 million extension in August that keeps him under contract through the 2028 season.
New York would therefore be paying for multiple potential postseason pushes, not merely an emergency replacement during Skattebo’s absence. Once both backs were available, the Giants could build a complementary rotation rather than force an immediate either-or decision.
Why Indianapolis should seriously consider accepting
For Indianapolis, the first-round selection is the centerpiece. The Colts currently lack a 2027 first-round pick, making this proposed return particularly relevant to their roster-building outlook.
Adding third- and fourth-round selections would create further opportunities to replenish the roster. The package would exchange one established offensive cornerstone for three assets, including access to premium draft talent.
The Giants must acknowledge the downside, too. Surrendering a first-rounder and two additional selections for a running back is expensive, especially alongside Taylor’s contract. His recent production also deserves scrutiny, he rushed for 46 yards against Dallas after managing 23 against Jacksonville.
This should be New York’s ceiling, not the beginning of another bidding round. Make the offer contingent on medical and financial review, demand a clear answer before Tuesday’s deadline, and walk away if Indianapolis wants more.