The New York Giants just got smacked with a dose of reality on the trade market. Their backup plan for a serious running back upgrade, none other than veteran star Derrick Henry, is officially a no-go. The Baltimore Ravens, his old coach John Harbaugh’s current squad, flat-out told them they ain’t trading him.
Adam Schefter dropped the bomb: the Ravens have “informed Henry that they have no intention of trading him” to Harbaugh’s Giants, or anywhere else for that matter. Talk about a gut punch for Big Blue, who were hoping Henry could be their fallback option if Jonathan Taylor’s price tag was too steep. The deadline hits Tuesday, and now the Giants gotta pivot hard.
The King Stays Put in Baltimore, And You Can’t Blame ‘Em
You might be looking at the Ravens’ 4-5 record after that tough loss to the Jaguars and thinking, “Why hold onto Henry?” But Baltimore is dead serious about not giving up on this season, and they’re even more serious about their long-term plans with quarterback Lamar Jackson. They need Henry on the field to help them win right now. Dude is still crushing it, sitting seventh in the entire NFL with 689 rushing yards this season.
Plus, there’s a huge strategic play here. Lamar Jackson is carrying an $84 million cap hit for 2027. The Athletic’s Jonathan Jones nailed it, asking, “If you’re Jackson and you see your team cut ties with one of the greatest runners of a generation, what would you think? Is that an organization invested in winning with you in 2026, 2027 and beyond?” Baltimore is sending a clear message to their franchise QB: we’re in this to win. They’ve got 5 draft picks coming up and a schedule loaded with winnable games against teams like the Chargers and Panthers. No way they’re sacrificing their relationship with Jackson or their immediate chances.
From Henry to Hill, With Taylor Still Looming Large
So with the King off the table, where do the Giants turn? Schefter reported that a league source told ESPN the Giants actually inquired about another Ravens running back: Justice Hill. Hill, 28, has spent his whole career in Baltimore. This season he’s got 240 rushing yards and 20 catches for 111 yards. He even ripped off a 65-yard touchdown run, Baltimore’s only score, in that loss to Jacksonville.
The Giants desperately need depth. Tyrone Tracy Jr. is on injured reserve with a hamstring strain, and Cam Skattebo is listed as doubtful for their upcoming game. Hill could be an emergency fill-in, but let’s be real, his resume doesn’t exactly scream “upgrade” over Tracy. This feels more like a stopgap than a solution.
But don’t count out a blockbuster just yet. The Giants are still holding out hope for that bigger move for Jonathan Taylor from the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts already shot down an offer involving a second- and fifth-round pick, so the asking price is still sky-high. New York might even have to package Tracy in a trade offer if they want to hold onto some of their precious draft capital while still landing Taylor. This trade deadline is gonna be wild.
The Giants are facing two absolutely critical divisional games against the Eagles and Commanders right around this deadline. Their next test? Sunday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m. ET against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. You know their front office is feeling the heat with that clock ticking down.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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