Deadlines make deals.
Will that cliche apply to the Giants?
If so, will they be buyers or sellers in the agreement?
Tuesday is the NFL trade deadline, and there are a surprising number of ways the Giants (2-7) could pivot. Here is your primer:
Buyers?
The traditional way of thinking — future-minded teams without playoff hopes trade players to contenders for draft picks — is outdated. For example, the hapless Bears traded for Montez Sweat in October 2023 and used the jump start on negotiating rights to sign him to an extension before free agency.
Indications are the Giants will not trade for any pending free agents. But consideration is being given to acquiring a player — specifically a receiver — under the right circumstances, including a contract in place for 2026.
General manager Joe Schoen has nothing to lose.
If he lands a player who helps Jaxson Dart’s growth, contributes to some wins and cools his hot seat, it looks smart. If he gets fired after making a trade, it’s not his problem that his replacement is short on draft capital.
So, ownership ideally would have clarity on Schoen’s standing before green-lighting such a move.
The most logical target is Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle, who is owed about $50 million through 2028.
ESPN reported that the Dolphins are more receptive to trading Waddle now than before general manager Chris Grier was let go last week, but the price could be a first-round pick plus more assets. The Giants’ second-round pick likely will be in the top 40, so perhaps that packaged with another midround pick will do.
But Waddle could create a bidding war, which is dangerous territory for the more-than-one-piece-away Giants.
Saints receiver Chris Olave’s history of concussions could scare off the injury-wary Giants.
Letting Dart take big hits because he holds the ball too long while receivers other than Wan’Dale Robinson struggle to gain separation is a formula for disaster.
“My focus is on doing the things we need to do better on the field with the guys that we have here,” head coach Brian Daboll said.
Sell a big fish?
Kayvon Thibodeaux is signed to a one-year, $14.75 million contract in 2026. It’s hard to imagine the Giants committing big money on a multiyear extension to Thibodeaux with Brian Burns (five years, $141.5 million) and Abdul Carter (No. 3 pick in the 2025 draft) also at edge, so tense negotiations could be coming.
“I want to be here,” Thibodeaux said.
The Giants recently told inquiring teams that Thibodeaux’s trade cost would be a first-round pick, according to The Athletic. It’s a safe bet no one is going to pay that price for eight sacks in his past 21 games, so it appears the three-edge rotation will continue for now.
“I’ve been in that situation a certain amount of times,” Burns said. “It’s tough to keep out of your head when you’re the name that’s in it. At the same time, you can’t control whether you leave or stay. So, I think the only thing that you can do is focus on your craft.”
Dexter Lawrence also reiterated that he doesn’t want to be traded, despite a tumultuous week that included getting called out by Giants great Carl Banks and another loss for someone who believes “winning is everything.”
Lawrence’s value hasn’t been lower since his 2022 breakthrough. His $21.8 million average annual pay no longer looks like a bargain with a half-sack in nine games.
Lawrence’s contract situation also could come to a boil soon. The three-time Pro Bowler is the NFL’s 11th highest-paid defensive tackle, and the $3 million in incentives (not all of which will be earned) that was added before the season will only hold the fort for so long.
Lawrence says he is playing well, and analytics say he is getting double-teamed at the highest rate in the league.
Would Schoen be tempted if a first-rounder is offered?
Quarterback trade?
Russell Wilson was benched after three starts but has not requested a trade. His next team would owe him less than $1 million through the end of the season.
Jameis Winston is buried as a third-stringer, but the plan is for him to be Dart’s backup next season. The Giants rebuffed preseason feelers for Winston.
There is no playoff contender in obvious need of a starter after the Bengals preferred Joe Flacco to Wilson, who might be better off sticking as Dart’s backup than being a No. 2 elsewhere.
“Better vibes” trade?
Are the Giants willing to cut their losses on draft busts Evan Neal, Jalin Hyatt and Deonte Banks?
First, a team would have to make an offer (a late-round pick swap?). Second, Schoen would have to be OK with the reaction sparked by a failed pick rather than letting a bust slink off quietly into free agency. Third, the player can’t be needed here.
Neal is a half-season rental who hasn’t played a snap and is a failed right tackle turned third-team right guard.
Hyatt (signed through 2026) has been passed on the depth chart by multiple practice-squad receivers.
The 49ers, who were in town Sunday, could be interested in both, a league source told The Post. The Raiders had exploratory talks about Neal, but nothing materialized, the Exhibit News Network said.
The benched Banks (signed through 2026) was forced to start again the past two weeks by a rash of injuries at cornerback. His poor tackling continues to kill his market.
