The New York Giants, sitting atop the NFC East with a 4-2-1 record entering Week 9, are actively exploring trade options to bolster their interior defensive line before the November 10 deadline. While the team has been linked to a potential move for running back Jonathan Taylor, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Wednesday that defensive tackle "might be the spot where they look to add" after the Giants "inquired multiple times on Jeffery Simmons" before he was dealt to the Chicago Bears last week.
Six Potential Targets Identified
With the Indianapolis Colts in sell mode, 10-year veteran Grover Stewart is a prime candidate to be moved. The reliable run-stopper is in the final year of his contract and could likely be acquired for a future Day 3 draft pick.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers lineman A'Shawn Robinson, 31, has also surfaced in trade conversations. Fowler noted Robinson "is a name that a few teams floated because he's still a productive interior player and a veteran who could help a contending team [and] also wouldn't cost much to acquire at this stage."
Philadelphia Eagles' Moro Ojomo, a 25-year-old in the final year of his rookie deal, posted six sacks last season and could become available if Philadelphia decides to sell assets. The former seventh-round pick offers run-stopping ability and quarterback pressure as a rotational piece.
New England Patriots' Christian Barmore, 27, represents a higher-profile but costlier option. The 2023 season saw him record eight and a half sacks, earning a four-year, $84 million extension. However, the $46 million owed over the next two seasons presents a significant financial hurdle.
Fowler also indicated that Tampa Bay's Vita Vea, a two-time Pro Bowler, is "on the Giants' radar." Vea is owed over $30 million next season, complicating any deal, though New York could potentially offset the cost by including edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux in a package.
A more speculative target is Eagles' two-time Pro Bowler Jalen Carter. With Philadelphia potentially unable to afford both Carter and Jordan Davis long-term, some league observers wonder if the team might move the expensive but impactful defensive tackle.
The Giants' front office has roughly one week to determine whether a defensive line upgrade is feasible within their salary cap constraints and draft capital willingness.
