The NFL fines New York Giants RB Cam Skattebo $7,073 for lowering his helmet and making forcible contact on Texans safety MJ Stewart during the Giants’ 27‑21 overtime win in Week 7. The first‑quarter hit earned a 15‑yard unnecessary roughness penalty that erased a key gain. This is Skattebo’s second identical fine this season, matching a Week 3 penalty against the Titans. Unlike seven other players fined for helmet violations without on‑field flags, Skattebo was penalized during the game, prompting Giants coach John Harbaugh to protest the ruling. Despite the controversy, Skattebo posted a career‑best 124 yards and a TD, earning NFL Network’s Angry Runs Scepter.
Trade buzz swirls in the NFC as the Washington Commanders' defensive line draws league interest, with Daron Payne, Dorance Armstrong and K’Lavon Chaisson on expiring deals—though Payne now lands on IR with a season‑ending injury. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys' newly acquired cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has impressed in three games, allowing just one reception, and brushes off contract speculation. The New York Giants are also reportedly scouting defensive tackles, according to Albert Breer.
The Denver Broncos placed RB R.J. Harvey on injured reserve on Oct. 31, sidelining him for at least four games and leaving the backfield short on a versatile receiving threat. With the NFL trade deadline looming, the injury could accelerate Denver’s pursuit of Colts star Jonathan Taylor, who leads the league with eight rushing touchdowns. The Broncos, whose ground game averages just 3.8 yards per carry, see Taylor as an elite three‑down back to bolster their playoff push, especially as the New York Giants appear to back away from the deal.
The Giants could consider bringing back former draft pick Dalvin Tomlinson, now a Chargers DT, as a cost‑controlled interior defender. After trading Dexter Lawrence, New York leads the NFC East at 4‑2‑1 and needs run‑stop depth, but Tomlinson’s recent hamstring issue and unknown price tag make a deal uncertain. Recent high‑priced DT moves (Jeffery Simmons, DeForest Buckner) suggest no clear market value, so the Giants must weigh a modest return from the Chargers against targeting a cheaper rotational player, especially with their 2027 fourth‑ and fifth‑round picks already spent.
We look at how the Giants are getting it done this season, whether it’s time for the NFL to have international contingency plans, Aaron Glenn’s hot seat and more. Plus a spin around the AFC South.
Start 'Em, Sit 'Em for Week 8. This week, we've got four teams on bye (Texans, Saints, Giants, and 49ers). […]
The Indianapolis Colts are fielding trade offers for star running back Jonathan Taylor, the 2025 NFL leader in total scrimmage touchdowns, but have set a steep price: a 2027 or 2028 first‑round pick plus a promising defensive tackle. The team rejected a 2027 second‑rounder and another pick, signaling they want premium compensation before Taylor potentially breaks the franchise rushing yard record. Potential DT targets include Vikings rookie "Big Citrus" Orange, Packers’ Chris McClelan, and Giants’ Darius Alexander, all on rookie contracts. The Colts aim to bolster their interior defense while deciding whether a deal meets their rebuilding timeline.
Giants head coach John Harbaugh bypassed GM Joe Schoen and called Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk directly to try securing All‑Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons before the Nov. 10 trade deadline. Both Titans GM Mike Borgonzi and Strunk reaffirmed that trade decisions rested with the GM, and Simmons ultimately headed to the Chicago Bears on Oct. 29 for a 2027 first‑ and fourth‑round pick, a 2028 first‑rounder and a 2028 fifth‑round pick. The move, seen as breaking NFL trade etiquette, underscores the Giants' aggressive drive to bolster their defensive line as they sit atop the NFC East entering Week 9.
Before the Chicago Bears completed a blockbuster deal that sent two first‑round picks for All‑Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh personally called Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk to try to secure the player. The move, reported by The Athletic, bypassed GM Joe Schoen and drew criticism for violating NFL protocol. Giants officials hope Simmons would have shored up their porous interior line after trading three‑time Pro Bowl nose tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals in April, bolstering both run defense and pass‑rush for edge threats Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
The Giants’ linebacker depth is in jeopardy after Tremaine Edmunds lands on injured reserve with a season‑ending shoulder injury. Coach Joe Judge has turned to Micah McFadden and rookie Arvell Reese, who showed promise in the 27‑21 overtime win over Houston, but the matchup against Philadelphia and Washington will test whether that duo can handle snap‑calling duties. The article argues the team should first evaluate McFadden and Reese, then consider if backups Jack Kelly or Zaire Barnes can step up before committing to a veteran trade, especially given limited mid‑round picks and a need on the defensive line.
Eli Manning admits he was fooled by Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed, recalling a 2004 rookie showdown where he completed just 4 of 18 passes and threw two interceptions in a 37‑14 loss to the Ravens. On The Colin Cowherd Podcast, Manning said Reed’s film looked exploitable, but the safety’s instinct and ability to read eyes made him “the scariest person” on the field. Reed’s 2004 season featured nine interceptions for 358 yards, earning Defensive Player of the Year and his first All‑Pro nod, underscoring why underestimating him was a costly mistake for Manning.
John Harbaugh was willing to try anything to get Simmons to New York.
Eight former Iowa State Cyclones saw action in Week 7 of the NFL, combining for 368 snaps across offense, defense and special teams. Notable performances include Xavier Hutchinson (Texans) with a TD catch, 17 receiving yards and three kickoff returns in the Giants’ 27‑21 OT loss, and Brock Purdy (49ers) throwing 27‑40 for 288 yards, one TD and two picks in a 29‑20 defeat to Atlanta. Darien Porter (Raiders) logged seven tackles on defense, while Domonique Orange (Vikings) started on the line in a 16‑10 win over Indianapolis. Injuries sidelined Breece Hall, Jake Hummel, David Montgomery, Jaylin Noel and Kene Nwangwu.
The Indianapolis Colts, sitting 2-5 after a Week 7 loss to the Vikings, have opened trade talks for star running back Jonathan Taylor. Sources say the team seeks a hefty return—potentially a package of multiple mid‑round picks or a first‑rounder plus a defensive tackle, similar to the 2022 Christian McCaffrey deal. Interest is coming from the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks and others, with the Giants flagged as a likely contender. Taylor, who leads the league with eight rushing touchdowns and 587 yards in the first seven games, recently signed a two‑year, $44 million extension through 2028. The NFL trade deadline is Nov. 10, so negotiations are expected to intensify before the Colts face Jacksonville.
Tony Pollard’s 129‑yard, three‑touchdown effort against Cleveland shows he can shoulder a heavy load, prompting the New York Giants to consider him as a deadline‑day backup amid injuries to Tyrone Tracy Jr. Yet GM Joe Schoen must weigh Pollard’s unknown price against existing assets—Cam Skattebo’s 124‑yard overtime win, Devin Singletary, and practice‑squad signee Gregory Desrosiers—while preserving draft capital for defensive needs. Analyst Ed Valentine flags Pollard as an option, but a trade could cost premium picks, making the Giants’ decision a balance between immediate backfield depth and long‑term roster building.
The Indianapolis Colts are fielding serious trade interest for star running back Jonathan Taylor ahead of the Nov. 10 deadline. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says multiple teams—potentially the Seahawks, Packers, Giants, Broncos and Vikings—value Taylor at a “2+” package, likely a second‑round pick plus additional selections. However, the Colts already turned down a 2027 second‑rounder plus extra compensation, signaling they want a premium. Despite the chatter, Taylor is expected to play Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and no deal is imminent.
The Browns face a crucial two‑week window before the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 10, with the Colts already sellers and the Titans having moved DT Jeffrey Simmons. Cleveland’s remaining slate includes likely buyers like the Steelers (5‑2) and Giants (4‑2), potential sellers such as the Texans (2‑5) and Raiders (3‑4), and uncertain teams like the Saints and Falcons. The Week 17 matchup against the 2‑5 Colts could yield a low‑level target like Mo Allie‑Cox. The article breaks down which opponents are poised to buy, sell, or sit tight, helping fans gauge the Browns’ trade strategy.
The New York Giants, sitting 4-2-1 atop the NFC East ahead of Week 8, are exploring realistic running‑back upgrades before the Nov. 10 trade deadline. While Jonathan Taylor is a headline target, a new Athletic report cites three more attainable options: former Jaguars first‑round pick Travis Etienne Jr., who could be acquired for a 2028 fourth‑rounder; Saints depth piece Kendre Miller as a low‑cost addition; and Denver’s J.K. Dobbins, who may become available if the Broncos trade for a new back. The Giants aim to bolster the backfield without overpaying after recent roster moves.
Previewing the NFC East ahead of Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season, as the Dallas Cowboys aim to narrow the New York Giants' division lead.
The Indianapolis Colts have turned their mid‑season overhaul into a full franchise rebuild and are now actively seeking to trade star running back Jonathan Taylor before the Nov. 10 deadline. Reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport say multiple contenders—including the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos—are in talks. Taylor, 27, carries a $15 million signing bonus and contracts through 2028 ($15 M in 2027, $9.46 M in 2028), making him a prime asset. Indianapolis aims to clear cap space and fetch a future second‑round pick plus late‑round selections, following recent moves that sent guard Quenton Nelson to Seattle and DT DeForest Buckner to San Francisco.
The Indianapolis Colts have turned open to trading star running back Jonathan Taylor as the NFL trade deadline nears. Sources citing ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport say multiple teams—including the Broncos, Packers, Vikings, Giants and Seahawks—are in active talks, but Indianapolis seeks a premium return after rejecting a 2027 second‑round pick offer. Taylor, who has amassed 587 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in a 2‑5 season, is expected to play against Jacksonville in Week 8 before any move materializes.
The New York Giants, now 4‑2‑1 and leading the NFC East, are reportedly ready to pursue a trade for Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor as the bidding war opens. ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirms the Colts are open to offers, with insiders saying talks are active. Sources indicate the price could be a second‑round pick plus additional assets. The Giants, looking to boost a shaky ground game that has underperformed despite a recent 200‑yard effort against Houston, must decide whether to invest that capital or explore cheaper options like Tony Pollard.
Since Sept. 28, seven high‑impact NFL trades have reshaped the league. The biggest headline is rookie QB J.J. McCarthy, who moved from Minnesota to the New York Giants for a 2027 fifth‑round pick and has already led the 4‑2‑1 Giants to a 27‑21 overtime win over Houston, posting 495 passing yards and a 95.2 passer rating in three games. Other moves include DE Jeffery Simmons to Chicago for two 2027 first‑rounders, DT DeForest Buckner back to San Francisco, guard Quenton Nelson to Seattle, WR Marvin Harrison Jr. to Houston, center Cam Jurgens to Baltimore, and CB Joey Porter Jr. to Dallas. The Giants face the struggling Eagles on Nov. 8, a key test before the trade deadline on Nov. 10.
The New England Patriots have placed defensive tackle Christian Barmore on the trade block, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. Barmore, a 2021 second‑round pick who signed an $84 million extension in 2024, has seen his snap count drop to just 42 percent this season, falling behind Milton Williams and Cory Durden. He posted six tackles, a forced fumble and three sacks in one start over six games. With a $17.1 million cap hit, a trade could clear up to $8 million this year and $41 million over two seasons. The Giants, Jaguars, and Vikings are reportedly interested, while recent moves like Jeffery Simmons to Chicago and DeForest Buckner to San Francisco signal an active market for interior linemen.
The Colts have reportedly changed their stance on trading Jonathan Taylor.