Report: Giants called Falcons about a potential Bijan Robinson trade

Prior to the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, the New York Giants made a push for more than just Jonathan Taylor. According to ESPN's Jordan Raanan, the Giants made a call to the Atlanta Falcons to ask about the availability of running back Bijan Robinson. There was no indication from Raanan about how long the call lasted or if the Falcons even entertained the idea of moving Robinson. Sources noted there was no word on what the Giants were willing to offer, or whether the Falcons engaged at all, or simply told the Giants, \"Not interested.\" \n\nAtlanta is in the race in a muddled NFC South and opted to sell before the trade deadline by trading Jessie Bates III and Ryan Neuzil. Both Bates and Neuzil are 29 and in the final year of their current contracts, making it safe to assume they would have left as free agents in the offseason. Robinson is in a different class of player. The Falcons gave Robinson a contract extension, though sources differ on the exact figures and length. Bleacher Report stated the Falcons gave Robinson a three-year, $75 million contract extension in August that ties him to the organization through the 2030 season. NBC Sports reported the Falcons signed him to a three-year, $66.8 million contract extension, viewing him as one of the most important pieces of their franchise. \n\nFox Sports' Jay Glazer reported on Sunday that New York offered a second- and fifth-round pick to the Indianapolis Colts for Taylor. Giants head coach John Harbaugh did not specifically confirm the offer or interest in Taylor, but suggested after Sunday's win over the Philadelphia Eagles they were having discussions about potential moves. \n\n\"I'm not saying that report's not true. Those conversations are taking place,\" Harbaugh said according to Bleacher Report, adding, \"If something happens for any player, can't talk about any [specific] player because they're with other teams right now, but we're not ruling anything out.\" Nothing wound up coming out of the rumors because the Colts held onto Taylor through the deadline. Robinson would have been an even bigger swing because he is arguably the best running back in the NFL right now and a more versatile player because of his ability as a receiver. \n\nNew York put itself in position to potentially take a big swing by playing much better than anticipated this season. Harbaugh has the Giants in first place in the NFC East going into Week 10. The Giants did make one big trade this season by acquiring J.J. Acquiring Robinson would have been a strong sign that the Giants believe they are serious contenders this year, showing that Harbaugh meant it when he said they are a team trying to win now rather than build for the future. Despite looking at Taylor and Robinson, the Giants wound up not making any moves before the deadline passed and will move forward this season with the group that has carried them to a 5-2-1 record.