As speculation grows that the New York Giants will soon target a trade for a running back, a new report offers a major update on the potential availability of superstar RBs Jonathan Taylor and Saquon Barkley.

After starting the season with a 3-1 record, there are signs the Giants could be spiraling. If not for a shocking piece of time mismanagement by Jayden Daniels, they probably should have lost to the Washington Commanders in Week 5. Then they were soundly outplayed by the New Orleans Saints on Sunday for the first three quarters of their defeat.

While their 3-2-1 record is tops in the NFC East, their first-place spot is on shaky ground. That is why they have been linked to a variety of trade speculation as we get closer to the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline. One position they could really use some help at is running back.

Head coach John Harbaugh does not have a lot of trust in Cam Skattebo and Tyron Tracy Jr. because of their issues with fumbles, and the team surprisingly cut Najee Harris this week after he complained about how the RB corps has been used. With the Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts both struggling, NFL analysts and fans have speculated that maybe the Giants might pursue a trade for either Taylor or Barkley.

Indianapolis Colts more likely to trade expiring contracts before deadline

After firing their general manager this week, and with a 2-4 record, there has been a great deal of talk that the Colts could undergo a fire sale before the deadline. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted on Wednesday that the team’s owner, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, is hoping they can turn things around soon. However, he added that “Rival teams believe Indianapolis will be open for business ahead of the trade deadline.”

His ESPN colleague Dan Graziano reports the team would like to get some draft capital back after giving up a pair of first-rounders for Sauce Gardner last year. But he does suggest they might be more willing to move players on expiring contracts that they feel are not part of their future. After Taylor got an extension this offseason, he may not fit that criteria.

Saquon Barkley being traded is a long shot

Barkley departing in free agency two years ago is still a thorn in the side of Giants fans. Especially since he played a major role in the Eagles winning a Super Bowl in 2025. There are many in the fanbase who would be for seeing that moment in time fixed and reuniting with the three-time Pro Bowler.

However, a trade between the two NFC East rivals would be surprising. Furthermore, would the Eagles actually trade their top player on offense, especially with starting QB Jalen Hurts out for the rest of the season due to blood clots? Jeremy Fowler isn’t buying the chatter that Philadelphia could conduct a fire sale before the trade deadline and move the RB.

“I’m not wholly convinced the Eagles will move a marquee name such as Saquon Barkley,” he wrote on Wednesday.

Instead, the NFL insider suggested the team might be more willing to move a player like “disgruntled” guard Landon Dickerson.