Giants and Trade Possibilities as Draft Approaches
With the Titans, under Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll, bringing in four starting pitchers from the Giants, there’s renewed speculation about what the team might yield in the draft.
There’s a prevailing sense in the league that the Giants, currently without picks 38-105, might be open to trading down from No. 5. This move could help them gather more second- to fourth-round picks.
The likelihood of this hinges on whether either of the Titans’ leading edge rushers, Arbel Reese or David Bailey, is still available after the Titans make their choice at No. 4.
One plausible scenario has the Jets selecting an edge rusher (with some suggesting it could be Reese), the Cardinals picking running back Jeremiah Love, thereby allowing the Titans to choose linebacker Sonny Styles.
Three NFL officials weighed in that Bailey might attract more trade offers; he’s seen as a reliable pass rusher, although there’s room for improvement in his run defense. On the other hand, Reese offers versatility, though he tends to be somewhat predictable.
Of course, the Giants could also quietly make the choice between Bailey or Reese themselves. Historically, they’ve maintained a philosophy of ensuring they have ample pass rushers. Notably, they could also look to trade away Kayvon Thibodeau, who carries a hefty salary of $14.75 million.
Potential Trade Partners for No. 5
Saints (No. 8): They’ve picked a replacement for Cam Jordan, their franchise sack leader. The Saints possess early second- and third-round picks along with a few fourth- and fifth-round options.
To balance the trade, the Giants might consider sending No. 5 along with No. 8, plus a third-round (No. 73) and a fourth-round pick (No. 132).
Chiefs (No. 9): If the Jets leave a desirable pass rusher available, the Chiefs might consider trading up to snag No. 3 or 4, especially with Titans GM Mike Borgonzi having ties to Kansas City.
A trade similar to that proposed to the Saints could involve No. 5, No. 9, a third-rounder (No. 74), and a fourth-rounder (No. 109).
Alternatively, as the Chiefs also have pick No. 29, they might offer No. 9 along with No. 5 and a 2027 fourth-round pick to sweeten the deal.
In both scenarios, the Giants would still hold two top-10 picks, adding flexibility to target potential stars like safety Caleb Downs, receiver Jordyn Tyson, cornerback Mansour Delaine, offensive guard Vega Ioane, and receiver Colonel Tate.
A Wildcard Option
12th Place (Cowboys): Could the Giants be inclined to help the Cowboys land a formidable pass rusher who could challenge quarterbacks for years to come? It’s an intriguing thought.
The Cowboys and Eagles famously made a trade in 2021 that upset the Giants’ plans. Currently, it seems the Cowboys are interested in either Stiles or another pass rusher, although they’d prefer to keep their second first-round pick (No. 20). If Reese, Bailey, and Styles are off the board and desperation sets in, the Cowboys might offer a trade that includes picks No. 5 and No. 37 for No. 12, No. 20, and No. 112.
This would grant the Giants three first-rounders (Nos. 10, 12, and 20) to potentially fill their roster needs, though they’d face the challenge of not having picks between 21 and 105.
