Per Jones, that breaks with “traditional NFL trade-talk norms” where general managers deal directly with each other.
Jones reported that Harbaugh contacted Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk after Giants GM Joe Schoen had been told by Titans GM Mike Borgonzi that Simmons, a 29-year-old four-time Pro Bowler and 2025 First-Team All-Pro, would not be traded. Strunk apparently gave Harbaugh the same message.
That obviously changed when the Chicago Bears made a Godfather offer to the Titans of two first-round and a fourth-round draft pick.
Per Jones, one GM said Harbaugh’s call to Strunk “violates a code amongst primary football decision-makers, that they will only deal with each other.”
Whether Harbaugh violated NFL traditions or not, the move tells you a couple of things about the Giants.
Whether going for it right now is the correct approach, after the Giants have spent most of the last 15 years floundering you have to appreciate the boldness.
I think it is also important to note that Simmons and Taylor, who is now reportedly available, are players who would be more than short-term, 2026 upgrades.
One other note in terms of surrendering draft capital. Whether it is too early for a Jaxson Dart vs. J.J. McCarthy debate, the Giants clearly understand that if they spend draft capital now, they possess two desirable, 23-year-old quarterbacks and they can use one in the offseason to recoup premium draft picks.
