NY Giants at NFL trade deadline: Exploring the options Joe Schoen to consider

EAST RUTHERFORD - Joe Schoen has continued to say he will always makes what he believes are moves in the best interests of the New York Giants. That was his promise when he took the job as general manager 20 months ago, and there's no reason to believe his approach has changed.

That does not mean Schoen will necessarily do what we expect, however.

Last season, the Giants were a pleasant surprise in Brian Daboll's first year as head coach, and the thought around the league was that Schoen would add a wide receiver at the trade deadline, maybe other pieces if options presented themselves.

Instead, the Giants traded Kadarius Toney to Kansas City, standing pat on all other deadline moves.

So with the 2023 trade deadline set for 4 p.m. Tuesday, and with the Giants sitting at 2-6 following Sunday's devastating 13-10 overtime loss to the Jets, there is speculation that Schoen should deal players away.

And with the Giants' current salary cap space under $1 million, according to NFLPA records, they might have no choice. Here is a look at the players who might draw interest on the market:

Adoree' Jackson, cornerback

The Giants would create nearly $7 million in cap savings if they trade Jackson, who is extremely popular with his teammates in the locker room. Jackson's in the final year of his deal, and the Giants have young players in the secondary with first-rounder Tae Banks and third-rounder Cor'Dale Flott getting starter snaps, Flott in the slot, and sixth-rounder Tre Hawkins III capable of playing on the boundary. Nick McCloud has shown up well in a limited role the last two weeks and did so last year, too, so he could gain more of a role if Jackson goes elsewhere.

Teams such as Buffalo and San Francisco could find a place for Jackson, who would likely bring back a Day 3 pick. Still, the cap savings would be the true asset, although the Giants might have to pay some of his existing contract to facilitate a trade.

TRADED: Leonard Williams, defensive line

Williams is still having an impact on this Giants' defense, and his pairing with Dexter Lawrence both on and off the field is undeniable. That does not mean Big Blue shouldn't jump at the chance to get an asset in return for the 29-year-old Williams, who is due $10 million for the rest of the season.

Like with Jackson, the Giants would likely have to eat some of Williams' money in order to facilitate a deal. Also, Schoen would have to weigh the locker room of dealing players who were voted captains (Jackson and Williams) and whether this team could handle their departures without questioning team brass.

UPDATED: The Giants have traded Leonard Williams to the Seahawks for a second-round pick in 2024 and a fifth-round pick in 2025, an individual with knowledge of the situation told NorthJersey.com.

Darius Slayton, wide receiver

Slayton is a valuable, cost effective player who could draw interest on the market. The Giants have him under contract for 2024, but also a reasonable out. The emergence of rookie Jalin Hyatt could mean limited opportunities over the second half of the season for Slayton, but the Giants trust him. He played all but one of the offense's 75 snaps in Sunday's game against the Jets.

Parris Campbell, wide receiver

The Giants would gain $2.1 million in cap savings if they trade Campbell, who was signed to a one-year deal this offseason as insurance for Wan'Dale Robinson in the slot. Robinson is healthy and Campbell's role has been significantly reduced. Could the Giants find someone with interest in Campbell, who has been healthy this year? Seems unlikely.

Saquon Barkley, running back

This isn't happening, Daboll told Barkley two weeks ago when rumors began to swirl that the Giants might consider dealing one of their best players. Barkley doesn't want to go anywhere, and even though he is once again headed for an uncertain offseason while playing on a one-year deal, it's unlikely the Giants will get the kind of offer to make them change their mind.

The Daboll/Schoen regime can't punt on the season and risk the perception of what they are building changing to the point where the futures of both somehow become a topic for ownership. Despite the desire from some to tank and get the highest draft pick possible, the Giants need to win games - for the young players in the locker room, the head coach and his staff and the GM and his staff, given the recent history of this organization which has fired each of the last three head coaches after Year 2 and two GMs in the last five years.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NFL trade deadline: NY Giants options for Joe Schoen to consider