Giants Weigh Jonathan Taylor Trade After Colts Fire Ballard

The New York Giants could pursue Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor before the NFL trade deadline on November 10, 2026, as Indianapolis considers its options following the dismissal of general manager Chris Ballard. New York needs a dependable lead rusher, while Taylor's production and contract make him a potential target for teams seeking immediate offensive improvement.

Reports published October 20 by Big Blue View and NJ.com identified Taylor as a possible solution to the Giants' inconsistent ground game. Minnesota and Cincinnati have also been mentioned as potential destinations, creating the possibility of competition if Indianapolis makes the 27-year-old available.

Taylor recorded 1,585 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns in 2025, according to the reports. Through six games this season, he has accumulated 492 rushing yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 20 carries per game, giving interested teams a proven option for a larger offensive role.

His career includes four 1,000-yard rushing seasons in his first six NFL campaigns, three Pro Bowl selections and first-team All-Pro recognition in 2021. Injuries limited his production in 2022 and 2023, but he returned to elite form in 2025.

Giants coach John Harbaugh has expressed a preference for a featured running back rather than a committee approach. The team has struggled to establish consistency among its current options, and its rushing attack has not produced a 20-yard run by a running back this season, according to Big Blue View.

Harbaugh described the offense's progress as limited while assessing its performance after a loss to the New Orleans Saints.

"Big-time work in progress," Harbaugh said.

He also acknowledged problems with both the blocking and the runners' execution.

"It's disappointing. I thought we'd be running the ball better at this point in time. We haven't been able to do it.

We're not blocking well enough. We're not running well enough," Harbaugh said.

The coach said the season-ending knee injury to quarterback Jaxson Dart had removed some of the planned elements of the rushing attack.

"elements that we wanted to use to run the football," Harbaugh said.

He also outlined the broader objective for the offense.

"We're not efficient in our run game. We want to do it much more effectively than we have," Harbaugh said.

Harbaugh has nevertheless maintained that a lead back must earn a larger workload through performance. He has referenced the featured roles Derrick Henry held in Baltimore and Saquon Barkley held previously as examples of the arrangement he wants in New York.

"That would be great. Our run game hasn't earned that yet — and none of those guys have. My advice would be to any player: Do the most you can with the opportunities you get, and you're sure to get more opportunities. Do something," Harbaugh said.

He also emphasized that playing time depends on establishing consistency.

"I get it that you want to get out there and you want to get a rhythm — but that rhythm is earned," Harbaugh said.

Harbaugh previously gave Cam Skattebo an opportunity to lead the backfield against Arizona in Week 4. Skattebo received 18 carries but gained only 58 yards. The Giants later released Najee Harris after ending their four-player rotation, according to the reports.

Taylor's contract is a significant consideration for any prospective buyer. He signed a two-year, $44 million extension that keeps him under contract through the 2028 season. The Giants would need to account for his remaining salary obligations as well as the draft compensation required to complete a deal.

Trade valuations differ. Stampede Blue suggested a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 third-round pick as a possible package, while the Pro Football and Sports Network trade simulator indicated that a first-round selection in 2027 or 2028, alongside a Day 2 pick, could be necessary.

New York also has other potential needs to consider if Indianapolis becomes a seller. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner could strengthen the defensive line, while guard Quenton Nelson could improve run blocking. However, both players would carry substantial financial or draft costs, according to Big Blue View.

Minnesota has separately been identified as a possible suitor for Taylor. A trade simulator cited by Sports Yahoo valued the running back at approximately a second-round pick, while the report noted that his rushing style could complement the Vikings' existing offensive scheme.

Cincinnati has also been discussed as a potential destination. A report from Cincy Jungle argued that adding Taylor could strengthen the Bengals' ground game and support a team pursuing a championship, although the article did not establish that negotiations were underway.

Indianapolis has not been reported as having completed a trade involving Taylor. The November 10 deadline remains the key date for any potential transaction, with the Colts' direction following Ballard's dismissal likely to influence whether the running back becomes available.