2023-08-22 07:00:00
Reading time: 10 min
The Indianapolis Colts and Jonathan Taylor might be heading their separate ways as the star running back is reportedly seeking a trade.
Taylor is just 24 years old and a year removed from being named to the first team All-Pro, but he ended the 2022 season on Injured Reserve due to an ankle injury. Whichever team acquires Taylor will have to be comfortable with his health, as the Colts want a first-round pick or a package equivalent to one in return, a source told me Stephen Holder von ESPN.
Here’s a look at five teams that might make a shot at acquiring the explosive playmaker:
Miami Dolphins
When you look at both the game system and the team’s needs, there seems to be no better candidate than the Miami Dolphins. Jonathan Taylor would fit seamlessly into coach Mike McDaniel’s wide zone scheme, while his impressive speed would fit perfectly with the team’s other explosive weapons. Behind Taylor, players like Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson and rookie De’Von Achane might take on complementary roles.
The Dolphins have already shown they are willing to sacrifice quality draft picks for offensive playmakers, as they did with Tyreek Hill before the 2022 season. The immediate results were impressive, as Hill gained over 1,700 yards and eight touchdowns.
However, Miami faces a challenge in terms of its financial situation. Jonathan Taylor is in the final year of his rookie contract and will most likely seek a contract extension. But according to Over the Cap calculations, the Dolphins are expected to be $32 million over the salary cap next year. General manager Chris Grier would likely have to restructure some contracts and possibly extend key players to create enough wiggle room.
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Photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles have already signed their franchise quarterback Jalen Hurts for the foreseeable future. Add to that an impressive offensive line, and according to Over the Cap calculations, the Eagles have around $47 million in cap space in 2024. These factors provide a solid foundation for a promising reinforcement, and the team is currently in the midst of a Super Bowl window.
Still, general manager Howie Roseman may be hesitant to give up the capital needed to acquire Jonathan Taylor given the Indianapolis Colts’ current asking price. However, if the price falls, it would be conceivable that Philadelphia makes a trade to strengthen the running game. In 2022, the Eagles ranked fifth in average yards per game with Miles Sanders (147.6).
Miles Sanders moved to the Carolina Panthers in free agency and was replaced in position by Rashaad Penny and D’Andre Swift, but both have struggled with injury issues in their careers. Should Indianapolis be willing to accept a Day 2 draft pick as well as one of these two running backs, Jonathan Taylor might potentially find his place in the City of Brotherly Love. The fact that the Eagles own the New Orleans Saints’ second-round pick in the upcoming draft might play a role in this regard.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears might be a dark horse following their disappointing performance a year ago, but they rely heavily on the running game. Jonathan Taylor would complement this direction perfectly. Last season, the Bears led the league with an average of 177.3 rushing yards per game, largely due to the explosiveness of quarterback Justin Fields.
Taylor would immediately add to the team’s talent in the backfield. The Bears are expected to use a mix of D’Onta Foreman, Khalil Herbert and rookie Roschon Johnson to handle most of the running game this season. Foreman has never reached the 1,000-yard mark, and Herbert’s career-high is 788 scrimmage yards. In comparison, over his three seasons, Taylor has posted 1,468 yards in 15 games in 2020, a league-high 2,171 yards in 17 games in 2021 and 1,004 yards in 11 games last year.
The Bears also have the financial flexibility and draft picks to make this move. According to Over the Cap, they have nearly $86 million in cap space available next year and own both their own first-round pick and the Carolina Panthers’ first-round pick in the 2024 draft. This would give them enough resources to have a solid negotiating position with the Indianapolis Colts to take.
Kansas City Chiefs
Defensive coordinators across the NFL would probably have some sleepless nights if Jonathan Taylor came to the Kansas City Chiefs. Since Patrick Mahomes took over the starting job in 2018, the Chiefs have finished no worse than sixth in points scored per game. Adding Taylor to a backfield that already includes 2022 breakout running back Isiah Pacheco, third-down back Jerick McKinnon and 2020 first-rounder Clyde Edwards-Helaire would most likely lead to a continuation of this impressive streak.
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However, this move would likely require a salary cap adjustment, as Kansas City only has just under $750,000 in cap space for 2023, according to Over the Cap. However, the outlook for 2024 is more promising, with $52 million expected to be available. General manager Brett Veach has made trades in the past, such as for Kadarius Toney, albeit for significantly less than a first-round pick. Therefore, he might be willing to make an offer if the Indianapolis Colts’ asking price drops.
Another potentially crucial obstacle is Chris Jones’ pending contract extension. The All-Pro defensive tackle has stayed away from offseason activities so far as he hopes to land a contract that matches the league’s top defensive linemen. It’s possible that Veach and the Chiefs prioritize Jones’ extension before making a serious effort to acquire Jonathan Taylor.
Photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire
Los Angeles Rams
Like the Dolphins, Jonathan Taylor would fit perfectly into Sean McVay’s offensive scheme. Taylor’s exceptional vision and speed might even help offset the team’s weak offensive line as the Rams move forward with their realignment and attempt to return to the playoffs.
After winning Super Bowl LVI the previous season, the team’s 5-12 finish last year was a bitter disappointment. Players like Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Aaron Donald were absent for extended periods last year due to injuries but are expected to be healthy and ready for the 2023 season. Add Jonathan Taylor to this talented group and the Rams would undoubtedly have a formidable core.
General manager Les Snead has proven in the past that he is willing to sacrifice draft picks for superstars, and should he do the same for Taylor, it would undoubtedly be a huge improvement for the team. The Rams’ current backfield consists of Cam Akers, who shows a lot of potential when healthy, Kyren Williams and rookie Zach Evans. With an estimated cap space of regarding $47 million in 2024 (per Over the Cap), the Rams might sign and extend Jonathan Taylor for the foreseeable future.
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