Colts Pro Bowl running back Jonathan Taylor is seeking a trade out of Indianapolis, and reports say the team is willing to grant his request should they be offered their asking price from another NFL franchise.
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Jonathan Taylor Likely To Start Season ‘in Another Uniform’
Taylor, 24, was drafted by the Colts in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He led the NFL in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns in 2021. Although he missed four games last season, he put up 861 total yards and four TDs.
Currently on the PUP list, Taylor must miss a minimum of four games and will be eligible to return in Week 5. NFL insider Dan Graziano said it wouldn’t surprise him if Taylor’s first game of the season was in another uniform.
Update: #Colts Pro-Bowl RB Jonathan Taylor is still seeking a trade from the team and it appears Indianapolis isn't interested in signing Taylor to a long-term contract, via @DanGrazianoESPN
Taylor still has to miss one more game while on the PUP list but Graziano adds: "It… https://t.co/qDtRMGZwIP pic.twitter.com/Ggw3PLviPM
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 27, 2023
Without Taylor, the Colts’ rushing attack has been underwhelming, as they have averaged 3.6 yards per carry so far this season.
Among the list of interested teams are the Steelers, Dolphins, Rams, Packers, Chiefs, Commanders, and Bills. Which team is most likely to acquire the star running back?
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers’ run game has been a struggle — the team ranks 30th in rush EPA through three weeks.
The 2-1 Steelers’ starting running back, Najee Harris, has put up 139 rushing yards this season, averaging four yards per carry. Harris was drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
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Some fans see Harris’ performance as underwhelming for a first-round pick, and he has begun to lose snaps to backup Jaylen Warren.
If the Steelers are looking to shore up their run game, Taylor may be the answer.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have also shown interest in acquiring Taylor. The team has a strong running back in Raheem Mostert, who ranks sixth in the NFL in rushing yards (241) and yards per carry (5.9)
De’Von Achane has also put up impressive performances. The third-round draft pick earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors last week after picking up 233 yards and four total touchdowns in the record-breaking 70-20 win over the Denver Broncos.
With solid running back options and one of the best rushing attacks in the league, it’s surprising that the Dolphins have shown interest in Taylor. It is unlikely they would be willing to give much up to acquire Taylor and have no need to spend big money on signing him.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are another team that has yet to get much going on the ground outside of their Week 1 performance.
Trading for Taylor would not be a surprising move for the Rams. They currently rank 25th in the NFL in rushing offense with 84 yards per game, and Taylor could be a driving force in waking up the run game.
Los Angeles is currently averaging 3.4 yards per carry. Running back Kyren Williams is averaging 3.6 yards per carry with three rushing touchdowns so far this season.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers’ run game has struggled without Aaron Jones after relying on him heavily in Week 1.
The team ranks 21st in rushing offense, averaging 3.3 yards per carry. With the Packers relying heavily on Jones, a strong running back option in Taylor would greatly benefit the team.
While a Jones and Taylor duo would be one of the strongest in the league, it all comes down to how much the Packers are willing to pay and how much the Colts are asking. But Green Bay is definitely a top option as a landing spot for Taylor.
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City is another contender that has reportedly shown interest in Taylor. The Chiefs have not struggled as much as the aforementioned teams in their run game, and it seems unnecessary for them to add Taylor.
Taylor is surely a stronger running back than Isiah Pacheco, and adding him to the roster could set up the team for a better shot at another Super Bowl appearance. While it’s fun to imagine the numbers the Chiefs’ offense could put up with the addition of Taylor, it seems unlikely they would make the move.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders are another surprising name to throw in the mix. They entered this season with three running backs drafted over the last four years in Brian Robinson Jr., Antonio Gibson, and rookie Chris Rodriguez.
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The team struggled in Week 1, but in a Week 2 win over the Broncos, Robinson had 129 total yards and two touchdowns. In Week 3, the Commanders offense fell apart again in a 37-3 loss to the Bills.
With solid running back options, this is another unlikely destination for Taylor, but only time will tell if Washington’s name remains in the mix.
Buffalo Bills
It’s a similar scenario in Buffalo. Running back James Cook has become a leader in the league in yards, ranking third with 267 total yards this season.
With the team ranking fourth overall in rushing yards, it seems unnecessary to make the trade for Taylor.
