The New York Giants have a serious problem in 2026. With a 3-2-1 record, they currently sit atop the NFC East, but right now, that's really not saying much. John Harbaugh isn't the kind of coach who will be content with leading the division; his priority is winning games. You can't win games when you turn the ball over, whether it's an interception or a fumble, and that's the problem.
Since Jaxson Dart was lost for the season, the Giants' quarterbacks have thrown six interceptions in five games. Through Week 6, the skill players have seven fumbles, five of which belonged to running backs. The issues at quarterback are being worked out as J.J. McCarthy gets more reps, which will either give him the starting role or force Jameis Winston to play better.
The ground game, though, has been underperforming all season. It's part of why the Giants sought out Najee Harris, and why Cam Skattebo didn't get a single touch in their Week 6 loss to the New Orleans Saints. With Harris' release, the Giants are desperate to fix the ground game, and former Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale has an answer.
Wink Martindale: Giants should trade for Colts RB Jonathan Taylor “in a heartbeat” if he’s available “because you’ve got a chance to win the NFC East”
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) October 21, 2026
John Harbaugh said he’s looking for his Saquon Barkley or Derrick Henry. This would give him that.
Our Week 7 episode of… pic.twitter.com/Au0QXokD65
NFL Insider Pat Leonard asked Martindale if he calls the Indianapolis Colts to put in an offer on Jonathan Taylor.
"If it works, I would, because you got a chance to win the NFC East," Martindale said. "And, you know, nothing's guaranteed in this league, you know that. You could say, 'Well, John's here, we're gonna build a team,' and, you know, but right now you got a chance to win the NFC East. If you could get Jonathan Taylor, you'd do it in a heartbeat. And I think even John alluded to it, you know, when he said, I wish I had a what was it, Saquon and who else? Derrick Henry. You know, and that, that gives them that."
Through six games this season, Taylor has 492 yards on the ground (an average of 82 yards per game) and seven touchdowns, averaging 4.0 yards per carry. He also has 163 receiving yards and has fumbled the ball just twice. This is his seventh year in the NFL, and right now may be the perfect time to call Indy and make an offer.
Not only did the Colts just fire their general manager because of poor performance, but it's clear that something has to change with that team. They'll be reluctant to give up Taylor, but that doesn't mean they are unwilling. And if the Giants can get a dynamic running back to assist with moving the ball down the field, they should absolutely take that shot.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Wink Martindale: New York Giants should trade for Jonathan Taylor
