Giants should consider selling at trade deadline amid bleak season outlook

After suffering multiple embarrassing blowout losses over the season's first four games, the New York Giants (1-3) are left searching for answers to a problem lacking a real solution. With trips to Miami and Buffalo approaching, the situation is likely to worsen.

The Giants were bound to experience some regression after finishing 8-4-1 in one-score games in 2022, which was partly a product of a much easier schedule than this season. But no one could have anticipated them to be this inept in every facet of the game. As a potential 1-5 record looms, it'd be wise to start considering retooling for next season by offloading a few impending free agents ahead of the Oct. 31 trade deadline.

While New York doesn't have much talent to hypothetically trade away, running back Saquon Barkley, defensive tackle Leonard Williams and cornerback Adoree' Jackson are the team's most valuable moveable assets. Although such a decision would signal the team is tanking for a higher draft pick and would undoubtedly cause a rift in the locker room, it's a necessary outcome if the team continues to lose. 

It's clear the Giants offense needs Barkley on the field in order to operate effectively, but it's just as apparent that the organization doesn't view him as a long-term piece, or they would've given him his desired extension. So far, that's proven to be the right decision since an ankle injury has limited Barkley to two games, during which he averaged just 3.9 yards per carry. 

However, despite his injury history and the stigma attached to running back value in today's NFL, plenty of contenders would jump at the chance to land a player of Barkley's caliber for a minimal cost. If the two-time Pro Bowler were added to an elite offense that wouldn't need him to be a workhorse back, Barkley would be the type of acquisition that could dictate the outcome of a Super Bowl.  

Williams and Jackson, two players brought in by former GM Dave Gettleman, are almost certain to depart after the season. During the offseason, New York didn't hold contract talks with Williams, Pro Football Focus' 16th-highest-rated interior defender this season, and he'll likely demand a contract the Giants would be reluctant to agree to if he maintains his solid play.

Even though the front office negotiated an extension with Jackson, he has struggled to adjust to his new role as a slot cornerback. Jackson has let 16 of 24 targets that have come his way in coverage to be completed this season, resulting in a career-high 14.8 yards per reception allowed.  

Assuming some contracts could be restructured, acquiring Williams would be a beneficial move for a team like the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions, who probably regret not drafting Eagles rookie DT Jalen Carter this past April. As for Jackson, every team needs cornerbacks, so even with his struggles, he should be highly sought-after if made available, especially since he has eight playoff starts under his belt and can double as a return man. 

Of course, the Giants could unexpectedly turn things around in the coming weeks, but the recent history of teams that start 1-3 suggests that it's unlikely they'll reach the postseason. As Empire Stakes' Lou Monaco points out, only 13.4% of teams since 2012 have made the playoffs after starting with that record. 

Given New York's lack of talent on the roster and competitive division, it's difficult to imagine it becoming one of the lucky late bloomers, which is why it shouldn't delay the inevitable and begin preparing for the future.