The New York Giants face real questions about their second-year running back. Would moving to Seattle help them build for the future?
We are just a few weeks away from the NFL trade deadline. Soon, the conversation will shift to which teams plan to buy for a playoff and Super Bowl push, and which teams will sell with an eye on the long-term future.
The New York Giants have shown some signs of life in recent weeks. That includes a huge fourth quarter from former Minnesota quarterback J.J. McCarthy in Sunday's loss to the New Orleans Saints. Even so, New York still looks like a strong candidate to build for the future under Giants head coach John Harbaugh , without as much smoke and mirrors.
That brings running back Cam Skattebo into the picture. Skattebo has been at the center of plenty of conversation after he was seemingly benched during the loss to New Orleans, although Harbaugh would not confirm that on his end. The move came after a costly fumble from the second-year back the week before.
There is still an expectation that this is not a long-term issue and that it is simply something for Skattebo to grow from. Still, it is fair to wonder whether he becomes a trade chip as the Giants look toward that aforementioned future.
Using the A to Z Sports trade simulator , I ran through a deal between the Giants and the Seattle Seahawks. Here is what it looks like:
– Seahawks receive: RB Cam Skattebo – Giants receive: DT Rylie Mills and a 2027 fifth-round pick (projected 165th pick)
Seattle has a huge need at running back. First-round pick Jadarian Price is dealing with injuries, and the Seahawks are still waiting for Zach Charbonnet to return from his own injury. Adding Skattebo would give the backfield an immediate boost.
On the trade simulator, the deal actually gives New York a slight edge in terms of return. If you ask me, most people would view it as a pretty even swap.
The Giants have a need at defensive tackle, and Mills could help fill it right away.
Mills is currently buried on the Seahawks' depth chart behind Byron Murphy and Leonard Williams . However, he has made the most of his opportunities, including a sack in Seattle's Super Bowl victory last season. He has shown plenty of talent when given the chance.
The former Notre Dame standout could come to New York and contend for a starting job immediately. That alone makes the deal worth considering for Harbaugh and the Giants' front office.
On top of Mills, New York would land a mid-Day 3 selection in what should be one of the deepest drafts we have seen over the last couple of years. For a team leaning toward the future, extra draft capital in a loaded class carries real value.
This feels like a fair trade for both sides, especially with the issues Skattebo and the Giants are working through.
Skattebo has been a fun player for New York, but he has also been inefficient during the 2026 season. In six games, including five starts, he has carried the ball 81 times for 294 yards and a touchdown. That works out to just 3.6 yards per carry. He has also hauled in 10 catches for 79 yards.
Ball security is the biggest concern. Skattebo has four fumbles in 2026, and that is something that has to be fixed. If it isn't, he becomes an unplayable running back.
There is a case to be made that his efficiency would improve a whole lot with the Seahawks. Seattle is an organization much more equipped to make a run right now, and a better situation around him could bring out the best version of his game.
When Skattebo is at his best, he has shown he can be a quality NFL running back. The question is whether the Giants want to wait for that version to show up consistently, or cash in now and add a starting-caliber defensive tackle and another pick to the pile.
With the deadline approaching, we will see how things play out.
This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: Giants Mock Trade: New York ships off Cam Skattebo to an NFC contender for defensive help and a 2027 draft pick
© 2026 A to Z Sports.
