The New York Giants and other interested teams are keeping close tabs on Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor ahead of the November 10 trade deadline. However, recent developments in Baltimore could present an alternative option in veteran running back Derrick Henry, as reported by sports.yahoo.com.
Ravens Injuries Could Trigger Trade Talks
Baltimore’s season hit a potential stumbling block on Sunday following injuries to starting quarterback Lamar Jackson, who suffered a thumb issue, and backup Tyler Huntley, who sustained a toe injury. The health concerns under center could prompt the Ravens to consider trading Henry before or at the November 10 deadline to secure future draft capital.
The 32-year-old tailback is under contract through 2027, set to earn $12 million that season with no guaranteed money remaining. If Baltimore plans to move on from Henry rather than keeping him beyond this year, trading him would be their only route to acquire compensation. Releasing him before a $1 million roster bonus comes due in March would not yield a compensatory draft pick.
Giants Fit and Production
A move to New York would make sense given that the Giants view Taylor on the same tier of running backs as Henry. Furthermore, head coach John Harbaugh previously discussed backfield workloads following a Week 5 defeat against the New Orleans Saints, noting his desire for a true workhorse back.
“I would love for us to be in that kind of a circumstance,” Harbaugh said at the time. “A Derrick Henry circumstance or a Saquon Barkley circumstance or whatever it might be.”
Through the first eight games of the season, Henry leads the NFL with 158 carries. He has rushed for 632 yards, averaging 4.0 yards per carry, and has scored eight touchdowns.
Given the quarterback health issues in Baltimore, opposing front offices are expected to inquire about Henry’s trade availability, with the Giants standing out as a potential suitor.
