The Giants want to make a move before the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline, but the math is getting in the way.
With six days left until the deadline, New York is trying to line up a deal, yet NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the team’s lack of fourth- and fifth-round selections in the 2027 NFL Draft is making it tougher to build trade packages that would appeal to teams considering moving players.
Schultz added that the Giants are trying to work around that problem by “pushing for bigger names who would require higher picks-and seem open to doing that.”
That shortage of mid-round capital traces back to two separate moves. The Giants sent their fourth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns so they could move up and draft wide receiver Malachi Fields this year.
They also used their fifth-round pick to land quarterback J.J. McCarthy after Jaxson Dart suffered his season-ending injury.
There is a possible fourth-round compensatory pick coming in 2027, but the Giants do not technically have it yet because compensatory picks are awarded only shortly before the draft. That means it can’t be included in any current trade talks.
General manager Joe Schoen was asked about the situation during his bye week press conference, and he defended the way those picks were used.
“Obviously you want to have as many picks as you can,” Schoen said. “But, again, we’re glad we have Malachi Fields.
We’re glad we have J.J. So, the utilization of those draft picks that we gave up to get those two players, we’re happy we have them.”
Head coach John Harbaugh said Monday that the Giants “always” want to improve the roster, but he also made clear that finding a workable deal is not simple.
“Easier said than done,” Harbaugh said. “And it’s hard to find players that can make you better, because we have good players.
Very good players. So, it’s got to be something that is a need, that fits your financial profile, that fits your price tag.
“It’s not like we have a bunch of draft picks, either. We’re not loaded with 12 or 13 draft picks where we’ve got draft capital to burn.
We don’t. So, we have to be smart shoppers that way.”
Harbaugh also said using 2028 picks remains an option, describing it as “it’s easier to put on the credit card.”
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