A New York Giants insider has offered new details on the likely cost of a Jonathan Taylor trade and whether the much-speculated-about deal is at all realistic.

While the Giants sit in the top spot in the NFC East and own a solid 3-2-1 record, things could be different. If not for a shocking piece of time mismanagement by Jayden Daniels in Week 5, they probably should have lost to the Washington Commanders. Then, over the weekend, they were soundly outplayed by the New Orleans Saints for the first three quarters of that eventual loss.

The Giants are in a good position to compete for a playoff spot this season, but they can’t rely on luck to get them there. They need more talent and have been linked to different trades over the last couple of weeks. One position they could really use some help is at running back.

Head coach John Harbaugh has lost trust in Cam Skattebo and Tyron Tracy Jr. because of their butter fingers. Yet, the team surprisingly cut reliable veteran Najee Harris this week after he complained about how the RB corps has been used. 

It has put even more pressure on the front office to address the issue, and it is why a potential trade for the Indianapolis Colts superstar has been speculated about by NFL experts and fans as that team moves closer to being sellers before the deadline.

Jonathan Taylor trade would cost New York Giants ‘at least a Day 2 pick’

It was a topic of conversation in a new mailbag column from SNY’s Connor Hughes. While some believe adding Taylor’s contract may be a hurdle to getting a deal done, the NFL insider suggests the cost of a trade is a larger issue because star running backs still make far less than top players at other premium positions.

So what would the cost be? When it comes to player assets, Hughes claims, “The lone expendable player the Giants have with real value is Kayvon Thibodeaux.” However, he has his doubts that the team would actually be willing to move him after losing Brian Burns for the season. When it comes to draft assets, he believes, “It’s going to cost (at least) a Day 2 pick for someone like Jonathan Taylor.”

Interestingly, Hughes does not believe the three-time Pro Bowler is worth a trade package that would start with a second-round pick. Instead, the NFL insider believes it is more likely Harbaugh and the front office stick with what they have, hold on to their draft picks, and take a top running back early in April.

Why the NY Giants should pass on a Jonathan Taylor trade

On the surface, a trade for Taylor is very enticing. After getting Pro Bowl honors in back-to-back seasons, Taylor is on pace to again get the honor in 2026. After six games, he is nearly halfway to 1,000 rushing yards (492), has 7 touchdowns, 15 catches, and 163 receiving yards. The 27-year-old is on pace for around 1,300 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns, and close to 400 receiving yards.

Those are the types of numbers that would make a huge difference for the Giants and new starting QB JJ McCarthy. Furthermore, Taylor has far less guaranteed money after this season, and getting out of the deal would be easier in 2027 and 2028. However, with a defense that has been average and McCarthy yet to prove he can elevate the offense long-term, it is a big risk for the Giants.

If McCarthy impresses in the next couple of weeks, that may change opinions. But this is still the quarterback who could not beat out Carson Wentz for the QB2 job in Minnesota this summer. While he played well last week for a quarter, he has a lot to prove. If he ends up only being slightly better than Jameis Winston, having Taylor doesn’t guarantee they will win the division and reach the playoffs.

Right now, a trade for Taylor isn’t worth it. However, if they are 5-2-1 before the Nov. 10 deadline, a deal will be more seriously considered.