EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants coach John Harbaugh said Monday they're not in any "secret society oath" and admitted to calling and leaving a voice message for Tennessee Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk about trading for star defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons.Simmons was traded Thursday to the Chicago Bears for multiple first-round picks. The Giants had interest, which prompted Harbaugh to place the call."I did, I did," he said. "I left a message because you're turning over every stone, going to try everything. I mean, I'll put it out there, man. We're open for any call. Anybody who wants to call us or call anybody, call. Is there a song, there's a song like that. Call me, is it like that? Who sings that?"It could be "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen. Or "Call Me" by Blondie. But in any case, Harbaugh wasn't shy about making the call to an owner. He orbits at the ownership level and admittedly has better relationships with owners than general managers.Harbaugh said people in the Giants organization make phone calls at every level. It's how they get information. It's how trades get done. They all know about the calls each other are making. They're doing what they believe is best for the Giants in a league where it's hard to get trades to the finish line."We're not part of any secret society oath that says you can only talk to somebody. We're not in that. We didn't get memo'd on that," Harbaugh said. "We're not in that agreement. So, like I said, anybody can call us. We won't be adhering to that particular agreement."The Giants already expressed interest in Simmons. The interior of the defensive line is a need. They also have interest in Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, sources told ESPN. That also is expected to cost multiple high picks.Running back is an area of need for the Giants, who flip-flopped starters in the past month. Cam Skattebo (hamstring) was working on the side with a trainer at Monday's practice, and Tyrone Tracy Jr. (hamstring) was recently placed on injured reserve.The Giants players have heard about their interest in Simmons and Taylor, among others. They're not against such a move."It's a players' league," veteran offensive tackle Andrew Thomas said. "Anytime you have an opportunity to acquire whoever the player may be, the thought is that they'll help our team win. And our goal is to win games."So I'm never opposed to trying to figure out ways to have a better roster. They get paid the big bucks to make those decisions."General manager Joe Schoen said last week that any move would have to make sense for the "short term and long term." Harbaugh reiterated that Monday."You want to have a short-term and a long-term win if you're going to do it with draft capital," he said.The Giants are looking to add a significant player by the trade deadline Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. ET."Always, always. I mean, that's always the goal," Harbaugh said. "Easier said than done."Harbaugh noted the Giants are short on picks in next year's draft. They currently have only five selections in the 2027 NFL draft, not the 12 or 13 that the Ravens had some years when he was in Baltimore.That forces the Giants to be "smart shoppers." They would prefer to use '28 draft picks if possible."Yeah, it's easier to put it on the credit card," Harbaugh said with a chuckle. "It's always an easier spend."Overall, Harbaugh didn't spend a large chunk of time during his bye week making trade calls. That's not his primary job.The Giants have two division games in four days coming up against the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders."Not too busy. It's not my main thing [making trade calls]," Harbaugh said. "I'm sure you guys are going to ask me the next question in a minute, but not too busy. That's Joe [Schoen], and those guys are very busy and not just in the bye week. I mean, they've been doing it all along and they'll continue to, I'm sure."
