The New York Giants have made the decision ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline that they are not going anywhere this season and will sell off veteran players.
This included a surprising blockbuster that sent defensive lineman Leonard Williams to the Seattle Seahawks on Monday for a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and a fifth-rounder in 2025. It was a nice little haul for general manager Joe Schoen given that Williams is set to hit free agency in March.
As for the Giants’ broader plans leading up to Tuesday’s trade deadline, we can expect more moves. Dan Duggan of The Athletic points to multiple players who could be available.
Wide receiver Parris Campbell joins cornerback Adoree’ Jackson and safety Xavier McKinney as three players the 2-6 Giants could move.
Of that group, McKinney would likely draw the most interest given his all-around ability in center field. Also set to become a free agent after the 2024 season, the former second-round pick out of Alabama yielded a mere 52% completion a season ago. Quarterbacks are also completing less than 60% of their passes when throwing in his direction in 2023.
Jackson has not been good this season (70% completion, 111.7 QB rating when targeted). Though, the former first-round pick from USC does have experience and a track record of success. It was just last season that he gave up a 52% completion and 83.9 QB rating when thrown at.
As for Campbell, the former Indianapolis Colts’ second-round pick from Ohio State signed a one-year, $4.7 million contract in free agency. Through eight games, he’s tallied 16 receptions for just 85 yards.
Related: NFL trade tracker with grades
New York Giants unlikely to trade Saquon Barkley
There is one name that likely won’t be moved by the Giants ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline. Head coach Brian Daboll made it clear ahead of Week 8 that they don’t plan on moving Barkley despite his status as a free agent after the 2023 season.
For his part, Barkley has also made it clear that he doesn’t want to be dealt this season. While it makes sense for the two sides to continue their marriage, it’s also interesting in that they were unable to come to terms on a new contract this past offseason. It led to Barkley holding out throughout the offseason programs before coming to terms on a restructured contract.
Perhaps, the Giants feel like they can re-sign Barkley in free agency. They also might not like the trade market Barkley has been met with.
Either way, we expect the New York Giants to make another trade or two over the next several hours. Just don’t look for Barkley to be moved.