New York Giants trade rumors: Joe Thomas, Joe Staley, Jamaal Charles, more

The NFL trade deadline of Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. ET is fast approaching, which means it is everyone’s favorite season. That, of course, is trade rumors season. We haven’t been immune to discussing potential New York Giants’ trades, though to be honest it would be surprising to see the Giants make a deal.

That, however, doesn’t mean we can’t delve into the rumor mill with some thougts on what we’ve been reading and hearing.

Joe Thomas & Joe Staley

Are the big-time left tackles, Thomas (Cleveland Browns) and Staley (San Francisco 49ers) available? Maybe yes, maybe no. That depends which way the wind is blowing at any given second, and who might be talking.

I believe there is little to no chance that either of the veteran offensive tackles ends up with the Giants. Does it really make sense to give up a first- or second-round draft choice for a 32-year-old tackle? If the price dropped to a mid-round pick, perhaps, but it probably isn’t going to. Staley, because of his connection to Giants’ offensive line coach Mike Solari in San Francisco, might make more sense. I just don’t see it.

The Giants are almost certainly going to stay the course with Ereck Flowers at left tackle this season, do the best they can on the right side and then look to free agency and the draft in the offseason to address their obvious needs there.

Jamaal Charles

Where did Charles to the Giants speculation come from? Well, the Giants have been pitiful running the ball, last in the league, and Dan Hanzus, Chris Wesseling and Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com tossed out the idea of the Giants trading for the Kansas City Chiefs running back during a recent “Around the NFL” podcast.

My view is that I don’t see where this one makes any sense at all. Charles will be 30 in December, is coming off a major knee injury, and has just 12 carries and 2 receptions so far this season.

The biggest problem with the Giants’ running game is not the backs. It is the blocking. There is no place to run. Besides, before trading draft picks for a formerly great running back why not give Paul Perkins and Orleans Darkwa a full shot at being the Giants’ running back duo. I’ve maintained since last season that the under-used Darkwa is the best back on the roster, and I’ve seen nothing this season to dissuade me from that opinion. Perkins has flashed big-play ability the Giants need to find more ways to utilize.

To me, giving the young backs on the roster an opportunity makes more sense that trading draft picks for an aging, injured one.

Tight ends

We spend a decent amount of time bashing the Giants’ tight ends. With that in mind, James Kratch of NJ.com tossed out some tight end trade possibilities. There is really nothing on Kratch’s list that appeals to me, nor that I think the Giants would be willing to surrender a draft choice for.

Chris is right. When the Giants have a tight end on the field, Jerell Adams need to play more and Larry Donnell needs to play less. A lot less. We know what Donnell is at this point, and it’s not enough. Adams, at least potentially, offers the Giants upside and blocking ability. Like with the running backs, my belief is the Giants are better served giving the young player they already have a chance before trading away draft picks for a warm body at the position.