Jonathan Taylor recently requested a trade ahead of the 2023 season. The dispute appears to be contract related, making Taylor the latest victim of the NFL’s deflating running back market.
Despite owner Jim Irsay attempting to play down the rumors, the situation appears as concerning for Colts fans as ever. It is rumored that teams are already lining up calls for the disgruntled running back.
With the Indianapolis star seemingly unsettled over his contract issue, where could Taylor land? The top landing spots for Taylor have been named, but which teams are being slept on?
Read More: 5 Teams That Could Trade For All-Pro Playmaker
3 Sleeper Jonathan Taylor Trade Destinations
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have been involved in the Dalvin Cook sweepstakes. As such, they make sense as a landing spot for Taylor.
The Patriots currently have Rhamondre Stevenson as their lead back. Behind him, they have Ty Montgomery and Pierre Strong. Taylor could thus be a key addition.
Should New England look to be competitive this year, they will need a strong running game to take the pressure off Mac Jones. While Stevenson is an excellent player, Taylor would add immense talent to this position for New England.
Given how New England value the running back position, this would not be a surprising move. This is especially the case with Bill O’Brien’s return as an offensive coordinator. O’Brien is expected to deploy a run-heavy scheme that will lean on multiple, versatile running backs.
Miami Dolphins
Like New England, the Miami Dolphins have been touted as favourites to land Cook. With Cook’s decision still pending, Miami could look to Taylor.
As it stands, Miami have Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, Devon Achane and Myles Gaskin. Taylor would comfortably be the best running back in Miami and offer a new level of talent at the position.
Given how effective Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are at getting open deep, adding a workhorse back like Taylor makes perfect sense for Miami. He would also help alleviate some pressure off Tua Tagovailoa.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have little running back depth. Roschon Johnson has impressed this off-season, but the projected starters are Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman.
Both Herbert and Foreman have flashed explosiveness in spurts. However, neither have proven themselves to be effective, long-term workhorse backs.
As such, adding Taylor to the mix would return Herbert and Foreman to complementary roles, where they previously excelled. With young, mobile quarterback Justin Fields at the helm, adding Taylor and D.J. Moore in the same year would elevate Chicago’s offense greatly.
With masses of cap space remaining, Chicago certainly have the financial power to trade for and extend Taylor comfortably.
Other Jonathan Taylor Trade Destinations
Perhaps a dark horse team to consider are the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona have little running back depth behind James Conner. Taylor would help alleviate pressure of Conner, while also offering some stability in the absence of Kyler Murray to start the season.
The Seattle Seahawks are giving rookie Kenny McIntosh first-team reps are losing both Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet in camp. Their timelines to return are unclear. However, Seattle values the position greatly and so a move for Taylor would not be uncharacteristic.
The New York Jets are the final team to keep an eye on. Like New England and Miami, the Jets are interested in Cook. Should that go awry, Taylor could be a strong trade target. In the arms race of the AFC East, pairing Taylor with Breece Hall to assist Aaron Rodgers would undoubtedly scare any opposition defense.
Jonathan Taylor ICES this game.
67-yard touchdown run 🔥
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/CB9rHn3kYI
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) December 19, 2021
Main Photo: Mykal McEldowney-USA TODAY Sports
