Following a more than positive Week 8, in which New York enjoyed a bye, the Giants heard an encouraging update on Taylor’s potential trade. However, the coach’s latest statement didn’t add to that tune. On the bright side, though, Harbaugh did make it clear that New York will be active before the 2026 NFL trade deadline. It just may not be to trade for Taylor.

Based on Harbaugh’s admission, there’s reason to believe the G-Men are still in the AFC South running back’s market, though the Giants might be going after one of the talents on the Tennessee Titans‘ running backs’ room instead of the Colts‘.

“I did, I did. I left a message [for Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk]. Why? Because you turn over every stone,” Harbaugh admitted after the Giants’ practice on Monday. “Going to try everything. We’re open for any call. Anybody can call us.”

Titans have two very appealing RBs

Although they haven’t been playing as badly as their record suggests, the 1-7 Titans are heading nowhere in the 2026 NFL season. That means they will likely be sellers at the trade deadline, just as they recently parted with star DT Jeffery Simmons for two first-round picks and a fourth-rounder from the Chicago Bears.

Tennessee may keep the garage sale going, and its running back tandem of Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears has emerged as strong candidates to be traded. At least one of them.

Pollard could be key addition

Pollard’s recent incredible outings have only raised his value, and he may not be Taylor, but he has proved he can be a great addition to any contender’s backfield. For the Giants, his change of pace and dynamism may be the perfect complement to Skattebo’s run-through-a-wall-without-asking-twice style, and at a much more affordable cost than Taylor. Spears could also be intriguing to Harbaugh and company, as he’s only 25 years old and offers a low-risk, high-reward type of talent.

The main problem is that both Pollard and Spears are in the final years of their contracts. That’s a good thing because it takes leverage away from the Titans and makes them a bit cheaper to trade for, but it’s a very bad thing in light of Harbaugh’s comments. “John Harbaugh says the Giants aren’t looking for ‘one and done’ at trade deadline,” Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post reported.

Pollard and Spears, on paper, could be exactly that: rentals. Of course, the Giants could extend them upon arrival, but it’d be a risky strategy in case it backfires. Giving up assets for a player who may or may not be with the team next season isn’t what New York has in mind.

Taylor wouldn’t be a ‘one-and-done’

Guess which running back potentially available before the trade deadline isn’t in a contract year and is signed through 2028? That’s right: Jonathan Taylor. Of course, he may cost much more than Pollard and Spears combined, but as Harbaugh and the Giants may learn if they don’t play their cards right, if you buy cheap, you usually buy twice.

Key takeaways

• John Harbaugh admitted he called Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk.
• “Not looking for ‘one and done’,” John Harbaugh stated regarding New York Giants trade targets.
• New York Giants may be going after RBs Tony Pollard or Tyjae Spears of the Titans.

Aside from Taylor’s post-Week 8 statement, the Giants have heard encouraging updates on the Colts’ RB, along with another report from around the NFL that ramped up trade rumors linking Taylor to New York. Lastly, factoring in Skattebo’s health and the injury-riddled state of the Giants’ running back room, it makes too much sense for New York to make a splash of some sort before the trade deadline, and Taylor seems like the safest bet.

“Cam Skattebo worked on the side with a trainer after hurting hamstring previous week vs. Texans,” Jordan Raanan of ESPN reported on X during the Giants’ first practice since their bye in Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season.

Skattebo’s injury

Coming off Week 7’s overtime win over the Texans, the Giants had breathed a sigh of relief after a positive update on Skattebo’s health. However, it may have been false hope. A week after the game in Houston, Skattebo required medical attention as the team returned to practice in East Rutherford.

Needless to say, that should raise alarms around Big Blue, but it may actually be a blessing in disguise. If Skattebo faces the prospect of missing time due to injury, New York could find the perfect excuse to meet Indianapolis‘ steep asking price and acquire New Jersey native Taylor before the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 10.

NY Giants sign another RB

As if Skattebo’s injury update didn’t already raise enough questions about what it could mean for the Giants’ potential trade for Taylor, New York’s latest roster move certainly added to the speculation.

With Tyrone Tracy Jr. placed on Injured Reserve and uncertainty surrounding Skattebo, the Giants have added a new face to the backfield. As reported by Raanan, RB Eric Gray has been signed to New York’s practice squad.

Giants’ RB depth chart

With questions surrounding Skattebo, Devin Singletary and Greg Desrosiers Jr. are the only fully healthy running backs in East Rutherford. Clearly, they could use some support, and that’s what Gray, whom the Giants drafted in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, can offer.

Of course, it may not be enough. If Skattebo’s injury is serious, the Jonathan Taylor trade route will become an increasingly compelling option for the Giants.

Key takeaways

• A hamstring injury forced New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo to practice separately.
• The Nov. 10 trade deadline looms as the New York Giants target Jonathan Taylor.
• Eric Gray was signed to the New York Giants practice squad following backfield injuries.

The Giants aren’t the only team interested in Taylor. The Denver Broncos have also entered the sweepstakes for the Colts’ RB, as have several other teams across the NFL. Still, lost in all the noise might be the fact that Taylor is fine staying in Indianapolis for the time being.

In case that wasn’t clear enough, Taylor’s latest comments indicate that his main focus remains helping the Colts, and his mind isn’t wandering toward a move. For the time being, he remains a Colt and that’s all he can think of. The way things are looking for Indianapolis, everyone in the locker room has a lot on their plate.

Jonathan Taylor’s reaction after Week 8 loss

“It’s not going to get any easier. It’s actually going to get even harder, and teams are going to look at us even more, foaming at the mouth. So then it gets to a point of: What are you going to do? Your back’s against the wall. You have to fight your way out of the corner,” Jonathan Taylor said postgame, via ESPN’s Stephen Holder.

“That’s all I’m thinking about. For myself, but also how to convey that to the rest of the guys in the locker room. This is not getting anywhere near any easier, and we got to accept that. When you accept that, that’s just the first step.”

While the Giants heard an encouraging update on Taylor’s potential trade after Week 8, it’s plain to see the running back’s comments to the media in the locker room weren’t the most promising for the G-Men or the Broncos.

What to make of Taylor’s message

Taylor’s postgame statement is very telling. Not only because it shined a light on the running back’s frustration with the state of the Colts in the 2026 NFL season, but also because it may hint at Taylor’s future. Taylor spoke as someone who is in it for the long haul, which he is, as he’s under contract through 2028. His comments might also confirm that he won’t be traded before the NFL deadline.

However, as much as he might embrace facing adversity, Taylor would also love to join a Super Bowl contender. If one, be it the Giants, Broncos, Seahawks, or any other team, can come up with an offer that meets the Colts’ requirements, then he may not put up much resistance.

Until that happens, though, Taylor is a member of the Colts, and his mind isn’t running wild with the speculation. Instead, he’s staying focused. Taylor isn’t blind or deaf, though. He knows how big of a figure he is heading into the final week before the trade deadline. However, he knows better than to waste time on what’s out of his reach. What he can help change, on the other hand, is how the Colts are doing this season, and that’s what remains his main goal.

Key takeaways

• A 42-7 loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars prompted Jonathan Taylor’s message to Indianapolis Colts teammates.
• “This is not getting anywhere near any easier,” Jonathan Taylor told reporters after Week 8.
• Under contract through 2028, Jonathan Taylor remains committed to the Indianapolis Colts long term.

NFL insider Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post reports that Tennessee Titans veteran Tony Pollard is a prime pivot option. The Giants recently inquired about Pollard’s availability and could pounce if Taylor sweepstakes talks stall completely.

Earlier reports revealed that the NY Giants’ new interest in running back means Jonathan Taylor talks could be stalling. With Denver also aggressively pursuing Taylor, general manager Joe Schoen cannot afford to leave his backfield empty-handed.

Tony Pollard has exploded in the last two weeks

According to Pro-Football-Reference, Pollard is on fire over his past two appearances for Tennessee. Against the Cleveland Browns in Week 8, he rushed 25 times for 129 yards and three touchdowns. He also hauled in three receptions for 26 yards, carrying the offense.

Pollard followed that effort with another monster performance against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. He racked up 117 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries, averaging 5.6 yards per attempt. That two-game surge of 246 rushing yards and five scores proves he still possesses high-end burst.

Taylor is still better option, but momentum favors Pollard

Taylor undoubtedly has a superior tackle-breaking power and an elite ceiling when healthy. However, the Colts demand an exorbitant package featuring early-round draft picks to even consider parting with their franchise cornerstone. That massive asking price forces New York to weigh immediate value against long-term capital.

Pollard represents a far more realistic acquisition cost for Schoen’s front office before the deadline. Tennessee sits at 1-7 and will gladly accept mid-round compensation to clear future cap obligations. Pollard’s red-hot form and accessible price tag give him immense momentum as New York’s ultimate trade target.

Key takeaways

• Ryan Dunleavy reports Tony Pollard is a prime pivot option for New York.
• Tony Pollard rushed for 129 yards and three touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns.
• Tony Pollard generated 246 rushing yards and five scores over his last two games.

Although Taylor remains a possibility for the Giants, it’s clear there is plenty of competition, and the Colts’ asking price is anything but cheap. Whether the Giants actually go after Taylor is anyone’s guess, but a report from around the NFL hints that New York is going to make a splash, even if it’s not for Taylor.

“The NFL trade deadline is next Tuesday. The Giants are expected to be active and have already reached out to teams about big-name players,” Jordan Raanan of ESPN reported on his X account. “They currently are $6.225M under the salary cap, per NFLPA records.“

All that remains to be seen is who will come away victorious in the Taylor sweepstakes, which involves countless contenders across the NFL, and whether there will even be a winner, as the Colts and their running back insist they are fine staying together. What seems clear is that the Giants will be making noise of their own before the deadline.

Pretty much the perfect bye week in New York

Plenty of things went right for the Giants in Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season as they enjoyed their bye week. The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles both lost, and Giants fans heard Jerry Jones throw the Cowboys under the bus, which never fails to put a smile on their faces.

Moreover, New York’s 4-2-1 record on the season puts them well ahead of the rest of the NFC East. Such a clear path to the playoffs means the Giants are pretty much obligated to make a move before the deadline.

The Colts’ horrific loss in Jacksonville also adds to the pressure and could force Taylor to actually ask out of Indy. The main negative for the G-Men is that the Denver Broncos pulled off a comeback win over the Kansas City Chiefs to take first place in the AFC West.

Broncos could spoil Taylor trade for NY Giants

Why does that matter? The Broncos are one of the favorites to land Taylor via trade, and their showing that they can be serious contenders in the AFC will only add to the noise in Denver calling for the team to acquire the three-time Pro Bowl halfback. Had the Broncos lost, perhaps they would’ve had some doubts about making a blockbuster trade and would have preferred to play it conservatively.

Now, the Broncos are expected to be a player in the Taylor sweepstakes, and they have just as many assets to convince the Colts as the Giants. If there’s a sliver of hope for the G-Men, it may lie in Taylor’s hands. If the running back fancies a return to his home state of New Jersey, he might convince the Colts to send him to the Giants instead of the Broncos. Those are some very big ifs, though.

Key takeaways

• Jonathan Taylor trade rumors linked the Indianapolis Colts running back to the New York Giants.
• $6.225 million under the cap, the New York Giants contacted teams about big-name players.
• A 4-2-1 record places the New York Giants ahead in the NFC East standings.

“I still think a deal gets done, yes,” Art Stapleton of USA Today wrote on his X account regarding New York potentially trading for Jonathan Taylor.

Taylor is signed through 2028 in Indianapolis after signing a two-year extension during the summer. Still, his frustration was visible all day long during the Colts’ loss to the Jaguars. The writing on the wall is starting to show, and with the 2026 NFL trade deadline looming, a decision feels imminent. That’s true for both Taylor and the Giants.

Week 8 was a huge success for NY Giants

New York enjoyed some time off during Halloween but still tuned in Sunday to watch key games around the NFL. Thanks to the Dallas Cowboys’ loss to the Arizona Cardinals, the path to the NFC East title is even clearer now for the G-Men. That wasn’t the only positive news for Big Blue, though.

New York watched the Colts get dismantled by the Jacksonville Jaguars, which may change Taylor’s mind about wanting to stay in Indianapolis. The Horseshoe is heading nowhere and doesn’t even own its first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. While there were questions about whether Taylor would play against the Jaguars, he did, as the Colts sent a message by not sidelining him amid the loud trade buzz.

Taylor couldn’t get much going against the tough Jags defense, and his team was in for a disheartening afternoon in Florida. Everything went the Giants’ way, as well as that of every other suitor for Taylor, as he escaped the outing unscathed. The Colts are down to 2-6, and even if they don’t want to, trading Taylor while his value is sky-high makes too much sense.

NY Giants pressured to make a deadline move

For the Giants, with the rest of the division crumbling and a clear path to the playoffs opening up ahead of them, making a splash before the trade deadline is becoming very appealing—and somewhat mandatory.

The Giants are finally in a contending position in the NFL. This is what they’ve been after for so many years. All that remains to be seen is whether they will actually pull the trigger this time or get cold feet.

Key takeaways

• USA Today’s Art Stapleton reported that a New York Giants trade for Jonathan Taylor remains likely.
• Jonathan Taylor is signed through 2028 with the Indianapolis Colts after a summer extension.
• The Indianapolis Colts fell to 2-6 after the loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

On Saturday, Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter of ESPN and NFL Network revealed the Colts‘ willingness to trade Taylor and mentioned the teams that showed interest in him. Apart from the Giants, they named the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings.

A day later, Jordan Schultz of FOX added the Cincinnati Bengals to the mix and provided an important detail: “The asking price is believed to be too high right now, but sources do believe a trade is leaning to be more likely than not at this point.“

What the Colts might expect in return to trade Taylor

The specific asking price in question remains unconfirmed, but there are some clues. For instance, the Colts reportedly rejected an offer led by a second-round pick.

Schefter and Rapoport understand that Indianapolis might seek a similar compensation to the one the Carolina Panthers got by trading Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers in 2022. That year, the Niners exchanged second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-round picks to get the star RB.

NY Giants need to be aggressive again

This might give the Giants an idea of what they should give up if they want to land Taylor. Otherwise, they may not get it done. Let’s keep in mind that there are many other teams with enough motivation to meet the Colts’ demands.

One of them are the Broncos, who might use a RB like Taylor after placing RJ Harvey on injured reserve. The Giants have draft capital to pull off a trade like the one the 49ers made for McCaffrey, but sacrificing those picks would leave them with practically no room to maneuver in the 2027 NFL Draft.

New York has picks in the first three rounds apart from two sixth rounders in 2027. The Giants already gave up their fourth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns in the deal that allowed them to draft Malachi Fields in April, and they also sent a fifth-rounder to the Minnesota Vikings to get J.J. McCarthy after Jaxson Dart’s injury this season.

The Giants have been aggressive since John Harbaugh was named head coach, but only time will tell us how far they go to get Taylor.

Key takeaways

• Giants, Broncos, Packers, and Vikings are the four teams showing interest in Jonathan Taylor.
• A second-round pick led a trade offer that the Colts have reportedly rejected.
• The 2022 Christian McCaffrey trade represents the compensation package the Colts are reportedly seeking.

According to Jonathan Jones of The Athletic, Harbaugh took matters into his own hands after general manager Joe Schoen hit a wall. Titans GM Mike Borgonzi had informed Schoen that Tennessee would not trade Simmons. Strunk delivered the same rejection to Harbaugh before Chicago ultimately acquired the star for two first-round picks.

Harbaugh’s direct outreach reportedly ruffled feathers across NFL front offices. Rival executives noted that bypassing general managers violates an unspoken league protocol. Still, the daring approach highlights New York’s urgent desire to reinforce the defensive line for the playoff push.

What getting Jeffery Simmons would’ve meant for the Giants?

Landing Simmons would have completely transformed New York’s leaky interior front. The 29-year-old game-wrecker commands double teams and obliterates running lanes. Placing him inside would instantly upgrade New York’s 25th-ranked run defense into a formidable force.

Simmons also provides elite pass-rushing push from the defensive tackle position. His presence would create single-blocking matchups for edge rushers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Adding a premier disruptor would solidify New York as a legitimate NFC powerhouse.

Is going for a DT means they miss Dexter Lawrence?

Harbaugh’s aggressive pursuit confirms the franchise deeply misses Dexter Lawrence. The front office dealt the three-time Pro Bowl nose tackle to the Cincinnati Bengals back in April. That trade opened a massive physical void in the heart of their defense.

Without Lawrence anchoring the trenches, opposing rushing attacks consistently harm New York for big gains. Harbaugh clearly recognizes that the defensive interior remains their most vulnerable liability. The desperate push for Simmons proved the Giants know they cannot contend without an elite anchor inside.

Key takeaways

• John Harbaugh called Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk directly regarding Jeffery Simmons.
• The Chicago Bears acquired Jeffery Simmons for two first-round picks.
• The Giants dealt Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals back in April.

As analyst Mike Garafolo of NFL Network noted, “moving an RB who’s been the face of your franchise is a much different deal for an owner.” That cultural attachment complicates ongoing trade discussions with contending teams across the NFL. Although the Broncos entered the Jonathan Taylor sweepstakes, ownership seems hesitant to part with its marquee star.

Meanwhile, front offices recognize the shifting momentum as the deadline approaches. Observers noted that the NY Giants could get major clue from Colts on Jonathan Taylor trade following recent front-office changes. However, trading the face of the franchise requires an overwhelming offer.

Taylor has been a one-club star so far in the NFL

Taylor has spent his entire seven-year NFL career wearing the iconic horseshoe helmet. Indianapolis drafted him in the second round in 2020, and he quickly became an elite offensive engine. Fans view him as the central identity of Colts football through turbulent seasons.

Trading away a lifelong pillar sends a demoralizing message to the local locker room and fanbase. Recent reports suggest that NY Giants’ new interest in running back means Jonathan Taylor talks could be stalling partly due to this emotional attachment. Indianapolis leadership wants to maintain a competitive culture while retooling the rest of the roster, but if a Giants offer come, or any other team for that matter that satisfices the Colts, they might have to let him go.

Taylor’s contract is key in all trade talks

Taylor agreed to a massive two-year, $44 million contract extension with Indianapolis this past August. The lucrative deal features $39 million in total guarantees and pays him among the league’s top rushers. Any acquiring team must absorb his sizable cap commitment over the next few seasons.

The Colts hold no urgent financial pressure to dump an elite back under long-term team control. Indianapolis demands a minimum of a first-round selection to even consider moving him before Tuesday.

Key takeaways

• Interim GM Ed Dodds traded Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner from the Indianapolis Colts.
• The Indianapolis Colts drafted Jonathan Taylor in the second round in 2020.
• Jonathan Taylor signed a two-year, $44 million contract extension featuring $39 million guaranteed.

Per the information reported by James Palmer of NFL on Prime, Denver’s sudden pursuit creates immediate drama alongside New York. The NY Giants got major clues from Colts on Jonathan Taylor trade. However, recent rumblings that the Giants have a new interest in running back not named Taylor opened the door for Denver to strike.

Adding Taylor would instantly elevate Denver’s offensive ceiling for the playoff push. However, pulling off a deal requires outbidding persistent rivals like the Giants while navigating Taylor’s massive contract structure.

The Broncos are in desperate need for a player like Taylor

Denver’s ground attack has severely stalled throughout the 2026 NFL season. The Broncos average a poor 3.8 yards per carry while totaling just 664 rushing yards. Starting running back JK Dobbins has struggled to generate explosive plays, averaging a pedestrian 3.37 yards per attempt. He ranks 112th among 120 qualified backs in total EPA.

Those persistent backfield issues place excessive pressure on quarterback Bo Nix to carry the offense. Acquiring a premier three-down engine like Taylor would immediately solve Sean Payton’s short-yardage woes and bring blazing speed to the backfield.

The Broncos would likely have to send Jonah Coleman as part of the deal

Acquiring a marquee talent like Taylor will force Denver to sacrifice high-end young assets. To convince Indianapolis to move their offensive cornerstone, the Broncos would likely have to include rookie running back Jonah Coleman in trade packages.

Coleman flashed elite promise in Arizona, where he took over the backfield to push his season average to 4.9 yards per attempt. His bruising style and cheap contract offer the rebuilding Colts an ideal young successor for Taylor.

Key takeaways

• The Broncos have officially joined the trade sweepstakes for Jonathan Taylor.
• Denver averages 3.8 yards per carry with 664 rushing yards.
• The Colts would likely require to get rookie running back Jonah Coleman in trade packages.

Following Tuesday’s fire-sale transactions that sent eight-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers, rival executives continue to gauge Indianapolis’ willingness to part with their premier offensive weapon ahead of the November 10 trade deadline.

NBC Sports insider Mike Florio highlighted a crucial operational decision facing interim leadership ahead of Sunday’s Week 8 divisional matchup against the Jaguars. “Here’s the question that will become more pressing as the week unfolds. If the Colts have decided to take the best offer they get for Taylor — and if they’ve yet to get an offer they like — the process could linger beyond the coming weekend. That will force the Colts to decide whether to play Taylor or whether to hold him out of action.”

Will Colts trade Jonathan Taylor?

Right now, no one knows for sure. Florio emphasized that injury prevention remains the driving factor behind holding high-value assets out of game action when actively exploring trade scenarios. Running backs operate at the highest physical risk of any position in professional sports, a reality highlighted by Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley’s recent injury setback.

“For all anyone knows, seeing Barkley get injured may have prompted the Colts to move Nelson and Buckner before they suffered an injury, too. Taylor plays a position that is conducive to injury. If the Colts make him a healthy scratch on Sunday, it will be the most obvious indication that a trade is coming. Unless it happens before then.”

With suitors like the New York Giants actively monitoring backfield market availability, risking Taylor to a game-action injury against a division rival could permanently dismantle Indianapolis’ leverage to secure premium future draft capital.

What’s next for Jonathan Taylor?

Despite relentless media speculation, Jonathan Taylor remains locked into his preparation for Jacksonville, addressing reporters regarding his future in Indianapolis.

“I haven’t heard anything, and I can’t control that,” Taylor said. “Obviously, like you guys know, I’m always proud to wear the horseshoe. Proud to be here. But circumstances may cause otherwise. The only thing I can control is corralling these guys in the locker room and executing a great plan for Jacksonville.”

If Indianapolis officially designates Taylor as an inactive healthy scratch on Sunday morning, it will confirm that a trade agreement is either imminent or in advanced stages of negotiation before the deadline.

Key takeaways

• Mike Florio reports that making Jonathan Taylor a healthy scratch against Jacksonville will serve as the clearest sign a trade is coming.
• Following Saquon Barkley’s injury, Indianapolis must decide whether risking Taylor on Sunday is worth compromising potential draft capital.
• Taylor confirmed Thursday he has not requested a trade and remains focused on preparing for Sunday’s divisional game against the Jaguars.