2023-08-22 11:19:17
Reading time: 10 mins
The Indianapolis Colts and Jonathan Taylor could be heading their separate ways as the star running back is reportedly eyeing a trade.
Taylor is just 24 years old and a year away from a first-team All-Pro team nomination, but he ended the 2022 season on injured reserve with an ankle injury. Whichever team Taylor acquires must be okay with his health as the Colts will ask for a first-round pick or a package equivalent to one in return, a source told Stephen Holder von ESPN.
Here’s a look at five teams that could make an attempt to acquire the explosive playmaker:
Miami Dolphins
Considering both the system of play and the needs of the team, there doesn’t seem to be a better candidate than the Miami Dolphins. Jonathan Taylor would fit seamlessly into coach Mike McDaniel’s wide-zone scheme, while his impressive speed would pair perfectly with the team’s other explosive weapons. Behind Taylor, players like Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson and rookie De’Von Achane could fill complementary roles.
The Dolphins have already shown they are willing to sacrifice quality draft picks for offensive playmakers like they did with Tyreek Hill ahead of 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. However, according to Over the Cap calculations, the Dolphins are expected to be $32 million above the salary cap in the coming year. General manager Chris Grier would likely need to restructure some contracts and possibly issue extensions for key players to create enough leeway.
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Photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles have already signed franchise quarterback Jalen Hurts on for the foreseeable future. Add to that an impressive offensive line, and according to Over the Cap calculations, the Eagles have about $47 million in cap space in 2024. These factors lay a solid foundation for a promising reinforcement, and the team is currently in the middle of a Super Bowl window.
However, given the Indianapolis Colts’ current asking price, general manager Howie Roseman may be reluctant to commit the necessary capital to acquire Jonathan Taylor. However, if the price falls, it’s entirely possible that Philadelphia will trade to bolster the running game. In 2022, the Eagles ranked fifth with Miles Sanders in average yards per game (147.6).
Miles Sanders joined the Carolina Panthers in free agency and his position was replaced by Rashaad Penny and D’Andre Swift, both struggling with career injury issues. Should Indianapolis be willing to accept a Day 2 draft pick as well as one of those two running backs, Jonathan Taylor could potentially find his place in the city of brotherly love. The fact that the Eagles own the New Orleans Saints’ second-round pick for the upcoming draft may play a role in that regard.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears might be a hot tip after their disappointing performance a year ago, but they’re going strong with the running game. Jonathan Taylor would complement this alignment perfectly. Last season, the Bears led the league in averaging 177.3 rushing yards per game, largely due to quarterback Justin Fields’ explosiveness.
Taylor would immediately enhance the team’s talent in the backfield. The Bears are likely planning a mix of D’Onta Foreman, Khalil Herbert and rookie Roshon Johnson this season to handle the bulk of the running game portions. Foreman has never hit the 1,000-yard mark, and Herbert’s career-best scrimmage yardage is 788 yards. In comparison, Taylor has rushed for 1,468 yards in 15 games in 2020 over his three seasons, a league-best 2,171 yards in 17 games in 2021 and 1,004 yards in 11 games last year.
The Bears also have the financial leeway and draft picks to make that move. According to Over the Cap, they have nearly $86 million in cap space next year and own their own first-round pick as well as the Carolina Panthers’ first-round pick in the 2024 draft. This would give them enough resources to build a solid negotiating position with the Indianapolis Colts to take
Kansas City Chiefs
Defensive coordinators across the NFL would probably have a few sleepless nights when Jonathan Taylor joined the Kansas City Chiefs. Since Patrick Mahomes took the starting job in 2018, the Chiefs have finished no worse than sixth in points scored per game. The addition of Taylor to a backfield that already includes 2022 breakout runner Isiah Pacheco, third-down back Jerick McKinnon and 2020 first-rounder Clyde Edwards-Helaire would most likely result in a continuation of this impressive streak.
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That move would likely require a salary cap adjustment, however, since Kansas City has just under $750,000 in headroom 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 such as Kadarius Toney in the past, albeit for significantly less than a first-round pick. As such, he might be willing to make an offer should the Indianapolis Colts’ asking price drop.
Another potentially crucial obstacle is Chris Jones’ pending contract extension. The All-Pro defensive tackle has so far stayed away from offseason activity as he hopes for a contract that matches the top tier defensive linemen in the league. It’s possible that Veach and the Chiefs will prioritize Jones’ renewal before making serious efforts 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 could even help make up for the team’s weak offensive line as the Rams press ahead 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 major disappointment. Players such as 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 an impressive core.
General Manager Les Snead has proven in the past that he’s 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 is showing a lot of potential in good health, Kyren Williams and rookie Zach Evans. With an estimated margin of about $47 million in 2024 (according to Over the Cap), the Rams could sign and extend Jonathan Taylor for the foreseeable future.
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