It’s Fourth Down for Joe Schoen and John Harbaugh. New York fans are always looking at headlines and what their team does to steal it. The New York Giants don’t need to make a blockbuster trade just to get headlines. They need to make the kind of moves that address real weaknesses, give their roster a boost, and make opposing teams uncomfortable.
With the NFL trade deadline approaching on November 10th, the Giants have an opportunity to get creative. Instead of chasing the biggest name on the market like Taylor or Nelson out of Indy, here are three trades I’d explore to make this team better. None by the way involves bringing Saquon Barkley back to New York.
These are proposed deals, not reported negotiations.
1. Bring Daron Payne to New York
Proposed trade:
- Giants receive: Daron Payne, defensive tackle
- Commanders receive: 2027 third-round pick and 2028 sixth-round pick
The Giants should consider making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks from the inside out. Daron Payne would give New York another proven interior defensive lineman who can disrupt the pocket and force quarterbacks to move before they want to.
The idea isn’t just about adding another big body to the defensive line. Interior pressure can make an entire pass rush more effective. When a quarterback can’t step up comfortably in the pocket, edge rushers have a better chance of getting home.
Why would Washington consider it? If the Commanders decide to sell veterans and collect draft picks, Payne could become an expensive asset worth discussing. His contract makes this a significant financial commitment, so the Giants would need to be comfortable with the money as well as the draft compensation.
This isn’t a guaranteed bargain, but it could be a meaningful investment in the defense. If the Giants want to make life difficult for the quarterbacks in the NFC East, this is one way to do it.
2. Give Quentin Johnston a Fresh Start
Proposed trade:
- Giants receive: Quentin Johnston, wide receiver
- Chargers receive: 2027 fifth-round pick
Sometimes the best trade target isn’t a star. It’s a player whose current team may be running out of patience.
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Quentin Johnston was drafted in the first round by the Los Angeles Chargers, but his career hasn’t consistently matched those expectations. He’s still a big, athletic receiver who could benefit from a different environment and a clearer role.
The Giants could use another receiver who gives the offense a different look. And one that won’t cost an arm and a leg like Brian Thomas Jr. Johnston has the size to compete for contested catches and the athletic ability to threaten defenses downfield. He wouldn’t need to become the team’s №1 receiver overnight. In fact, he doesn’t even have to with Nabers and Likely eating. The goal would be to give the coaching staff another option and see whether a change of scenery helps him put everything together.
Why would the Chargers listen? If they’re prepared to move on from a player who hasn’t met expectations, a fifth-round pick could be more useful to their longer-term plans than holding onto him without a clear role.
Of course, Johnston’s inconsistent production and drops are real concerns. This would be a calculated gamble, not a sure thing. But a fifth-round pick is the type of price that could make the risk worth considering.
3. Make a Quiet Defensive Upgrade With Kristian Fulton
Proposed trade:
- Giants receive: Kristian Fulton, cornerback
- Titans receive: 2027 fourth-round pick
Here’s the move that might get the fewest headlines but could make a difference when the Giants face their division rivals.
Instead of spending every available resource on the pass rush, New York should explore adding another experienced cornerback. A defense can generate pressure, but if receivers are getting open too quickly, that pressure won’t always matter. And with the injuries and inexperience their secondary has adding would be beneficial.
Kristian Fulton has experience playing outside cornerback and could provide another option in the secondary. Adding a veteran corner would give the Giants more flexibility in coverage and could help them match up against teams with multiple dangerous receivers.
Why might Tennessee consider the deal? If the Titans decide their priority is building for the future, turning a veteran player into a fourth-round pick could make sense. The Giants would need to confirm Fulton’s current roster status, health, and contract details before pursuing the trade.
This is the kind of move that doesn’t necessarily dominate sports talk shows but can help a defense become more dependable. A cornerback who holds up in coverage gives the pass rush more time to reach the quarterback.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t about “winning” a trade deadline. This is about making moves that solve problems.
Daron Payne could help strengthen the interior defensive line. Quentin Johnston offers a low-cost opportunity to gamble on untapped receiving potential. Kristian Fulton could give the secondary another experienced option.
Would all three trades happen? Probably not. Not even sure Joe Schoen thinks this far out of the box. Each would depend on the other team’s willingness to deal, the Giants’ available draft picks, and the financial details.
But that’s the point: the Giants should look beyond the obvious names and explore opportunities other teams might overlook. Sometimes the smartest deadline move isn’t the one everyone sees coming. It’s the one that fills a weakness before it costs you a game.
