While the New York Giants made a surprising playoff run last season, they’re going nowhere fast in 2023.
Daniel Jones has looked inadequate when on the field and is in the midst of a three-game absence after suffering a neck injury. Big Blue’s banged-up offensive line can’t block anyone, which led to Jones getting hurt in the first place. And while Wink Martindale’s unit has stepped up in recent games, New York still ranks in the bottom 10 of most defensive metrics.
Entering Week 8 with a 2-5 record, the Giants should be clear sellers before the NFL‘s Oct. 31 trade deadline — but they might have at least one buying opportunity, as well. Here’s how New York should proceed over the next few days.
New York Giants Trade Deadline Moves
Trade CB Adoree’ Jackson to the Bills
Plenty of NFL free agent additions fail to work out, and New York’s three-year, $39 million agreement with Adoree’ Jackson was widely panned when the Giants added the former Tennessee Titans cornerback in 2021.
But Jackson has largely lived up to his contract, at least from a performance perspective. While 11 injury-related absences from 2021-22 ate into his value, Jackson offered better than league-average play when he was on the field.
MORE: NFC East Trade Candidates
Jackson missed last week’s game with a neck injury, but he’s fully practicing this week and appears to be healthy again. Given that the Giants need to see what they have in young corners Deonte Banks, Tre Hawkins III, and Cor’Dale Flott, they could stand to trade Jackson, who will reach free agency next spring.
Let’s send Jackson to the Buffalo Bills, who are trying to figure out their cornerback depth chart after losing Tre’Davious White to a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 4. Jackson could serve as competition for Dane Jackson — who’s been starting alongside Christian Benford — while acting as insurance for nickel CB Taron Johnson.
Other CB-needy teams that could theoretically be interested in Jackson include the Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, and Los Angeles Chargers.
Find a Taker for WR Parris Campbell
The Giants took a flier on Parris Campbell this offseason, adding the former Colt on a one-year, $4.7 million deal. He saw action early on, playing at least 45 offensive snaps in each of New York’s first two games.
But Campbell’s playing time has dwindled as the Giants have turned things over to younger receivers like Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt. Campbell has been on the field for just four offensive snaps over the past two weeks and has been mentioned as a potential trade candidate.
MORE: New York Giants Depth Chart
He has roughly $1.7 million remaining on his contract, which could present a problem. But more than half that total is tied to per-game roster bonuses, which Campbell won’t earn if he’s not injured or a healthy scratch.
New York can’t hope for more than a conditional pick swap in exchange for Campbell, but maybe a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars or Cleveland Browns would take a chance.
Scour the Trade Market for Offensive Line Help
While the Giants won’t be trade deadline buyers in a traditional sense, they could get creative and try to find reinforcements for an offensive line that’s been overwhelmed this year.
Rival teams won’t be desperate to trade offensive linemen, given that nearly every club seems to have a shortage. But New York should search far and wide for interior assistance.
If the Denver Broncos hold a firesale, guard Quinn Meinerz could become available. He wasn’t a Sean Payton or George Paton draft pick, so they might be willing to move him. Meinerz would represent an instant upgrade for the Giants, who would have him under contract through 2024.
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