The New York Giants, currently sitting at a 5 2 1 record, did not make a splash at the 2026 NFL trade deadline. Following the acquisition of quarterback J.J. McCarthy, a former No. 10 overall pick, to replace the injured Jaxson Dart, many expected the franchise to pursue a major offensive star to help them compete in the struggling NFC East. However, the team ultimately chose to stand pat, leaving fans without a surprise headline.
Head coach John Harbaugh had previously signaled the team's interest in Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. That deal eventually fell through when Simmons was traded to the Chicago Bears in exchange for two first-round picks. Reports also indicated that the Giants were in talks with the Indianapolis Colts regarding running back Jonathan Taylor. New York pulled its offer, which reportedly centered on a second-round pick, before the deadline arrived.
According to ESPN's Jordan Raanan, the Giants made a direct call to the Atlanta Falcons to discuss a potential trade for star running back Bijan Robinson. Robinson is currently leading the NFL with 880 rushing yards in just nine games. He also holds the fifth-most career scrimmage yards in NFL history for a player before age 25, with a total of 6,778 yards.
While a trade for Robinson would have been a significant story, the negotiations likely did not progress very far. The Falcons view Robinson as a cornerstone of their franchise. This offseason, Atlanta rewarded him with a three-year contract extension worth up to $75 million, following a 2025 season in which he set a franchise record with 2,298 scrimmage yards.
The Falcons are currently in the mix for the NFC South, a division where all four teams hold only three wins each. Despite trading away cornerback Jessie Bates III for a second-round pick and a future fifth-round pick, Atlanta was not eager to sell off key pieces. If they were to part ways with what many consider the best running back in the league, they would have demanded a massive package containing far more than a single first-round selection.
It remains unclear how far the conversation between the Giants and Falcons general manager Matt Ryan went, or what New York was prepared to offer. The lack of a final deal leaves the Giants to rely on their current roster depth at the running back position.
With no new additions at the deadline, the Giants will continue to feature Cam Skattebo as a primary option. He has rushed for 418 yards and two touchdowns in seven games this season. His most recent performance came in Week 7 against the Houston Texans, where he recorded a career-high 124 yards and a touchdown.
Skattebo expressed confidence in his ability to step up when called upon. Speaking on Tuesday, he told NJ.com, 'You've seen what I can do. When I come out, and I'm ready to play football, I can be one of the most dangerous backs in the league. Simple as that.'
