If the Giants want to prove they're serious about winning the NFC East, one former coach has a clear message: go get Jonathan Taylor.
Wink Martindale, who served as New York's defensive coordinator from 2022 to 2023 and spent a decade on John Harbaugh's staff in Baltimore, told Giants beat writer Pat Leonard on the 'Talkin' Ball' podcast that he would pull the trigger on a trade for the Colts' All-Pro running back without hesitation.
"I would because you have a chance to win the NFC East. And, you know, nothing's guaranteed in this league," Martindale said. "You can say, well John's here, we're gonna build a team and you know— but right now you've got a chance to win the NFC East."
The Giants' backfield has been a mess this season. Cam Skattebo, a fourth-round pick last year, has fumbled four times in just six weeks, and the team recently cut veteran Najee Harris. That instability has left the offense without a reliable workhorse, and Martindale thinks Taylor would instantly fix that.
"If you could get Jonathan Taylor, you do it in a heartbeat. And I think even John alluded to it when he said 'I wish I had a Saquon [Barkley] or a [Derrick Henry].' That gives them that," the ex-coordinator added.
Harbaugh's comments about wanting a dominant back like Barkley or Henry have been well-documented, and Martindale believes Taylor fits that mold perfectly. The Colts' star has the vision, power, and breakaway speed to transform an offense that has struggled to find consistency on the ground.
Despite their recent struggles, the Giants sit at 3-2-1 and atop a surprisingly winnable NFC East. With the Cowboys, Eagles, and Commanders all dealing with their own issues, the division is there for the taking—and Martindale thinks the time to strike is now.
New York is expected to start newly-acquired quarterback J.J. McCarthy this week against the Texans, a move that could inject some life into the offense. If McCarthy is to succeed, he'll need a running game to lean on, and Taylor would provide that in spades.
The Giants have already shown they're willing to make bold moves, and adding Taylor would signal they're all-in on 2025. As Martindale put it, nothing is guaranteed—so why not take a shot at the division title while the window is open?
Whether the front office listens to the former coach's advice remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Giants have a real opportunity, and a player like Taylor could be the difference between a playoff run and another disappointing season. With the trade deadline approaching, all eyes will be on New York to see if they make a splash.
