The NFL trade deadline is now just mere hours away and already, the New York Giants have been doing some wheeling and dealing.
On Monday, general manager Joe Schoen pulled the trigger on a trade sending veteran defensive lineman Leonard Williams to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a pair of picks. But will that be all?
The Giants cleared minimal salary cap space by trading Williams, having assumed the vast majority of his remaining pay. As a result, there is still some work to be done in order to create enough room to operate for the remainder of the season.
And the Giants’ phone lines will be burning. Despite their 2-6 record, there seems to be significant interest in their roster.
The Giants at 2-6 have a lot of interest in their roster, according to a source. Williams was the name that was getting the most buzz.
A second-round pick in 2024 and fifth-rounder in 2025 is a big return. A move they had to make given where they're at. Giants basically buying…
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) October 30, 2023
One player who is generating quite a bit of attention is running back Saquon Barkley, who has reportedly been the focus of several inquiries.
Inquiries have still arisen on #Giants RB Saquon Barkley, but said teams are being told he 'isn't going anywhere.'
Barkley is not only a core piece, but the clear face of the franchise.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) October 30, 2023
The Giants have been transparent about their lack of interest in trading Barkley. Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll even pulled him aside earlier this month to assure him that he will not be dealt at the deadline and that negotiations on a long-term deal will resume after the season.
“Well, someone told me that there were some rumors out there. So, I walked up to him at walkthrough and said, ‘Yeah, that’s not happening, let’s go to walkthrough.’ That’s it,” Daboll recalled to reporters.
Another player the Giants could trade is cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, but given his salary and the potential need for a restructure, that seems unlikely.
Skeptical on Adoree’ trade since they would have had to restructure his deal by 4 today (like they did with Williams). Hard to see any team trading for his full salary https://t.co/id9ca5mXwP
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) October 30, 2023
If the Giants are going to pull off any more deals, they must be filed with the league by 4:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday.