The New York Giants enter the bye week atop the NFC East despite losing several key players this season. With the trade deadline approaching, Big Blue could strengthen its roster by adding talent at multiple positions, either to upgrade starters or bolster depth where needed.
ESPN released a list of the top 25 potential trade candidates
, and the Giants were identified as a potential fit for several players on it.6. Daron Payne, DT, Washington Commanders
What Fowler is hearing: Washington dealt key defensive pieces at the deadline three years ago and could be faced with a similar predicament this time with Payne, who's 29 and still has value. Payne is a 2027 free agent with a $16.4 million base this year. But the NFC East is also winnable, despite
Washington's 1-4-1 record, so that could be a point in favor of the Commanders keeping him. Jacksonville is a potential fit, with some in the league noting the Jaguars could use a versatile interior player with pass-rush ability and have looked for that since the offseason.
Predicted chance of getting traded: 25%
What Bowen sees on tape: Payne can still provide an interior presence due to his foot quickness and strength in one-on-one matchups, plus he will impact the run game from multiple alignments. He had a career-best 11.5 sacks in 2022, but he has totaled only 12 over his past four seasons.
Team fits: Jaguars, Giants, Buccaneers
Payne stands out as an obvious fit at a position where the Giants could use either a starter or additional depth. The team may have to pay an in-division premium if Washington is willing to part ways, but Payne could help improve the run defense.
Ironically, the Giants were not listed as a fit for Patrick Queen, who ranked No. 10 on the list. The omission is notable given Tremaine Edmunds' season-ending injury and Queen’s background as a draft pick of Giants head coach John Harbaugh during his time with the Baltimore Ravens.
21. A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
What Fowler is hearing: Robinson is a name that a few teams floated to me because he's still a productive interior player and a veteran who could help a contending team. He also wouldn't cost much to acquire at this stage. He has played for four other teams -- the Lions, Rams, Panthers and Giants -- so he has coaching friends all over the league.
Predicted chance of getting traded: 30%
What Bowen sees on tape: At 6-3 and 320 pounds, Robinson is a powerful run defender who can play as a 1-technique nose or 3-technique defensive tackle. While Robinson doesn't provide pass-rushing upside (16 career sacks), he can push the interior of the pocket. He's an early-down defender who could help out a defensive line rotation. He even has two interceptions this season!
Team fits: Rams, Ravens, Giants
Robinson is a familiar face who could bring value back to his former team. He spent time with Big Blue in 2023, and even in his 11th season, the Giants could benefit from his experience and production.
22. Kirk Cousins, QB, Las Vegas Raiders
What Fowler is hearing: Cousins played well enough through seven games that he has trade value. So does his contract, which after being reworked features a $1.3 million base salary. Aidan O'Connell, the Raiders' QB3, is a former starter who could slide into the primary backup role to Fernando Mendoza if Las Vegas is ready to start the rookie. There are no glaring needs at quarterback leaguewide, but injuries happen every week. The Raiders have not planned to be overly active at the deadline.
Predicted chance of getting traded: 20%
What Bowen sees on tape: He's a pocket thrower who wins with timing and ball location. Cousins can read it out post-snap and play as a ball distributor. He lacks the mobility to make plays outside of structure at a consistent rate, but he can get to the edges on boot concepts, and he fits best in a system that incorporates play-action elements. Cousins has thrown 16 touchdown passes and five interceptions this season.
Team fits: Panthers, Giants, Vikings
Bringing in Cousins does not make sense for the Giants on any level. The team now has J.J. McCarthy, and Cousins would likely not welcome a move from a starting role in Las Vegas to a backup or third-string position in New York. Listing the Giants as a potential fit for him appears increasingly questionable the more the match is examined.
The Giants were also notably absent from the list of potential fits for other players they have been linked to in rumors, including running back Tony Pollard, wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., and edge rusher Khalil Mack.
Time will tell whether the Giants complete any deals before the deadline. Based on this list, however, defensive tackle appears to be a clear area of need.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants named potential trade fit for 3 players
