Jonathan Taylor Is a New York Giant

The New York Giants have a chance to make a statement before the NFL trade deadline, and Jonathan Taylor should be one of their top priorities. Indianapolis is reportedly in active trade discussions involving its star running back, and the Giants are among the teams that have expressed interest.

For a team trying to establish a physical identity under John Harbaugh, there might not be a better player available to address its biggest offensive need. Taylor would immediately give New York a proven lead back, but the most exciting part of this potential move is what it could create alongside Cam Skattebo.

The Giants would have two running backs capable of attacking defenses in completely different ways, similar to the combination Detroit built with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Instead of relying on one player to carry the backfield, New York could build a rushing attack that keeps defenses guessing throughout the game.

Taylor Is the Missing Piece of the Giants’ Offense

Jonathan Taylor is exactly the type of running back the Giants need if they want to become a more consistent offensive team. Through seven games this season, Taylor has recorded 587 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, leading the NFL in rushing scores.

He is also coming off a 2025 campaign in which he rushed for 1,585 yards and 18 touchdowns, proving that he remains one of the league’s most productive players. New York has struggled to establish a consistent lead back, especially with Tyrone Tracy Jr. dealing with a hamstring injury and Najee Harris already released. Skattebo has shown plenty of promise, but asking him to handle the entire workload is not necessarily the best way to maximize his potential.

Taylor would provide the Giants with a proven runner who can handle a heavy workload, break off explosive plays, and consistently move the chains. His presence would also benefit Jaxson Dart when he returns, because defenses would have to respect the rushing attack instead of focusing primarily on stopping the passing game. With Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely also providing weapons in the passing game, Taylor could help turn the Giants into a much more balanced and dangerous offense.

The Lions Have Already Shown the Giants How It Works

The biggest reason I like this potential move is the opportunity to build a backfield similar to what the Detroit Lions have had with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Detroit found tremendous success by pairing Gibbs’ explosiveness and receiving ability with Montgomery’s physical running style and reliability between the tackles.

In 2024, Gibbs rushed for 1,412 yards and 16 touchdowns, while Montgomery added 775 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. Together, they helped Detroit’s running backs produce 2,362 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns, making them one of the most productive backfields in the NFL. Taylor and Skattebo could bring a similar dynamic to New York, even though their individual playing styles are not identical to Detroit’s duo.

Taylor would be the established star capable of handling the lead-back workload, while Skattebo could provide the physical approach that makes him difficult to tackle and allows the Giants to wear down opposing defenses. Both players would have meaningful roles, and the Giants would not have to put unnecessary mileage on either one throughout the season.

Defenses would have to prepare for Taylor’s ability to create explosive runs before dealing with Skattebo’s downhill running style, giving New York two different ways to attack the same opponent. Detroit has shown that a two-back system can be incredibly productive, and the Giants should seriously consider building something similar.

His Contract Extension Makes This a Long-Term Opportunity

Another reason Taylor makes sense is that he would not simply be a half-season rental. Indianapolis signed him to a two-year, $44 million extension in August, including $39 million guaranteed, keeping him under contract through the 2028 season. The extension was designed to keep Taylor in Indianapolis beyond 2026, but the Colts’ recent struggles have reportedly changed the situation.

With Indianapolis sitting at 2-5 and actively discussing trades involving several major players, Taylor has become one of the biggest names on the market. The Colts are reportedly seeking a first-round pick and a defensive tackle in at least one potential deal. That asking price is significant, especially for a Giants team that still needs to build around its young quarterback, but Taylor’s contract gives the move value beyond the remainder of this season.

New York would be acquiring a 27-year-old running back who could remain a major part of its offense for multiple seasons. The Giants should not sacrifice their future simply because a star player becomes available, but if Indianapolis becomes more flexible with its asking price, this is an opportunity worth pursuing.

Taylor and Skattebo Could Transform the Giants’ Identity

Under Harbaugh, the Giants should be looking to become a team that can control games through physical football, and a Taylor-Skattebo backfield would fit that philosophy perfectly. Taylor would give the offense the explosive, high-volume running back it currently lacks, while Skattebo could continue developing into a reliable complementary option who brings toughness and energy every time he touches the football.

The benefits would extend beyond the running game because a more productive backfield would help Dart by creating favorable passing situations and opening up play-action opportunities. It would also help Nabers, who could see more favorable coverage as defenses are forced to commit additional players to stopping the run.

The Giants would have the ability to rotate their backs, keep both players fresh, and attack opponents differently depending on the situation. Imagine Taylor breaking off a long run early in the game before Skattebo comes in and starts wearing down the defense with his physical style. That kind of combination could become extremely difficult to handle over four quarters, particularly when the Giants also have talented receiving options. New York has spent time trying to find the right combination in its backfield, and acquiring Taylor could finally give the offense a clear identity.

Conclusion

Jonathan Taylor should be a serious priority for the Giants if the Colts are willing to make him available at a reasonable price. He is one of the NFL’s best running backs, remains in his prime, and would immediately improve an offense that needs more consistency on the ground. More importantly, pairing him with Skattebo could give New York a backfield similar to what made Detroit so successful with Gibbs and Montgomery.

The Giants would not have to choose between developing Skattebo and adding an established superstar because both players could have important roles in the offense. There are financial and draft-pick concerns that Joe Schoen would have to consider, but this is the type of move that could make the Giants much more dangerous now while giving them a strong offensive foundation for the future. If the price is right, Taylor and Skattebo could become one of the most exciting running back combinations in the NFL.