Andrew Buller-Russ
In the lead-up to the 2026 NFL Draft, the New York Giants were viewed as a bit of a wild card. Many thought they’d end up getting franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart another weapon, such as a receiver to complement Malik Nabers. Or perhaps potential superstar running back Jeremiyah Love to ensure John Harbaugh had a deep stable of capable rushers to lead a high-powered, smashmouth scoring attack.
The Giants did neither, opting to reinforce the offensive line with right guard Francis Mauigoa while adding a defensive playmaker in Arvell Reese. Meanwhile, we’ve seen Giants general manager Joe Schoen sign a host of veteran, and even former Pro Bowl/All-Pro receivers. But they haven’t done anything extra to strengthen an RB group led by Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy, and Devin Singletary.
Should the Giants still do something to strengthen their backfield? Some think so.
Recently, ESPN’s Dan Graziano suggested that the Arizona Cardinals could look to trade someone like James Conner or Trey Benson. After signing Tyler Allgeier and drafting Love with the third overall pick in the first round, the Cardinals would seem to have depth to spare, and the two-time Pro Bowl Conner could be of value to another team.
Graziano believes that two teams, the Cincinnati Bengals and Giants, could still circle back and address the RB position, and Conner may provide a solution.
“Conner has been a great signing for the Cardinals, posting consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons from 2023 to 2024. But he turned 31, is coming off a major season-ending injury and has just one year left on his contract. Conner accepted a pay cut this past spring, so it’s possible he’s in their plans and that someone such as Trey Benson is more likely to get traded to alleviate the logjam at running back. But it feels like one of the Cardinals’ six RBs has to go, and a team looking for a reliable veteran back could make a move for Conner if he’s having a hard time getting carries. The Bengals and Giants jump to mind; they were looking for running back help this offseason but didn’t bring in much.”
ESPN’s Dan Graziano on Cardinals RB glut
Skattebo is recovering from last season’s dislocated ankle, but he’s expected to be fully available and ready for a normal workload by Week 1. The Giants still also have Tracy, a 26-year-old former fifth-round pick who led the team in rushing in each of the past two seasons (since he arrived in 2024 as a rookie).
Whether the Giants still feel like they need more outside help remains to be seen, but it wouldn’t hurt to have a dependable grinder like Conner to rely on down the stretch. Plus, trading for him would likely only take parting with a Day 3 draft pick.
Related: Top NFL Free Agents Remaining: One Player Each Team Should Sign
