The New York Giants find themselves at 1-5 but are somehow only one game out of first place in the NFC East. While the division is up for grabs, fans are wondering if the team should trade for players who could help make a push for the division crown. While Big Blue is technically not out of it just yet, they cannot afford to trade away any more assets. This is still very much a rebuilding team, and this team needs all of the picks that they can get. With that being said, rather than the Giants going out and trying to trade for a wide receiver or an edge rusher, they should listen to offers for some of their own players.
The New York Giants Should Be Sellers at the Deadline
Last Year’s Trade Deadline
Everyone knows by now that the Giants traded for defensive lineman Leonard Williams before the trade deadline last season. Even though the team was 2-6 at the time of trading for Williams, they decided to be buyers and surrendered a 2020 third-round pick and a 2021 fifth-round pick.
The Giants should learn from their mistakes and decide to hold off on trying to acquire any players this year. Why? While Williams has been a solid player for the Giants defensive line, they now hold six picks in next year’s draft, as opposed to 10 picks in this past year’s draft.
Many questioned Dave Gettleman‘s decision to trade for Leonard Williams, who was on an expiring rookie deal and would have most likely been available in free agency.
Outlook on the 2020 Deadline
The NFL trade deadline this year falls on November 3rd. Teams will be active, trying to acquire players to help them make a push during the last month of the regular season. However, the only thing the Giants should be during this time is fielding calls on some of their own players.
There has been chatter of some Giants players being dealt, mostly fans just coming up with scenarios that are unrealistic for both sides. There are two players that New York should take calls on.
Golden Tate
Golden Tate was signed to a four-year, $37.5 million contract last year, just two days after the Giants traded away their star receiver in Odell Beckham Jr. Tate, 32, has been disappointing so far this season. He has a measly 19 receptions for 156 yards. He’s averaging 8.3 yards per reception, the lowest of his career.
Tate seems to just be going through the motions at this point in his Giants tenure. While the team is still somehow competitive with a 1-5 record, it would be smart to see what they could possibly get as a return for the veteran receiver. A team like the Patriots comes to mind, as they could be willing to send a draft pick and add another weapon for Cam Newton.
Even though the Giants’ receiver room is lacking, removing Tate from the equation would not hurt the situation more. If Tate were to be dealt near the deadline, the Giants could look to bring up one of their younger receivers from the practice squad, such as Alex Bachman or Binjimen Victor.
Evan Engram
While this one is unlikely, the Giants should still see the possible return for the fourth-year tight end. Engram had his fifth-year option picked up earlier this year, along with safety Jabrill Peppers. However, Engram has not played well this year, totaling 20 receptions for 177 yards and one rushing touchdown. Many look at Jason Garrett‘s offense as the reason for Engram’s lack of success, which is odd since tight ends usually thrive in his system.
The Giants should not give up on Engram this quickly, but it would not hurt to see if the return is ultimately better than keeping the 26-year-old tight end. Teams that could potentially be interested in trading for Engram could be the Panthers and the Bears.
Last Word
The Giants are still in the race for the division title, but this does not mean they should look to acquire a potential one-year rental while they sit with just one win through six weeks. They should field calls from other teams interested in their own players and be smart about who they deal away if it comes to that point.
