Giants Signal Win-Now Intent Under Harbaugh

The Giants have chosen to keep pushing for the current season after Jaxson Dart was sidelined for the year when facing the Rams in Week 2. In John Harbaugh’s first year as coach, New York has made moves aimed at competing now rather than shifting its focus to the future. The team is atop the NFC East at 4-2-1.

New York acquired quarterback J.J. McCarthy from Minnesota for a fifth-round pick, then turned to him after Jameis Winston struggled. McCarthy made his first start against Houston and led the Giants to an overtime win. The team has also explored the running-back market, with star Jonathan Taylor among its potential targets.

Harbaugh said he reached out to Tennessee owner Amy Adams Strunk to discuss defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons, who was later dealt to Chicago. The coach acknowledged that general managers usually handle trade discussions, but said he was willing to reach out directly. Simmons was also the subject of a conversation between Giants general manager Joe Schoen and his Tennessee counterpart.

Harbaugh’s previous teams in Baltimore made several midseason trades, including deals for linebacker Roquan Smith in 2022 and cornerback Marcus Peters in 2019. The Ravens did not trade away a first-round pick at the deadline during his tenure. The Giants have not indicated how much they might give up, but their interest in Taylor and Simmons points to a willingness to consider a substantial move before the deadline.