With the news breaking that the Indianapolis Colts have given their disgruntled star running back, Jonathan Taylor, permission to seek a trade, a number of teams have been tossed around as potential landing spots.
Let’s take a look at five teams rumored to be in the mix that absolutely need to find a way to make the trade happen and five that should step back and pass on this one.
Buffalo Bills – Trade For
It is no secret that despite being amongst the favorites in the league to take home the Lombardi Trophy in 2023, the Buffalo Bills are heading into the season with one of the worst rushing attacks in the league.
Yes, Buffalo finished top 10 in rushing yards per game in 2022, but the reality is, without their star quarterback, Josh Allen regularly putting his body on the line and advancing the ball downfield with his legs, the Bills would’ve been in the cellar.
Taylor’s ability to run and catch the ball out of the backfield should pay huge dividends for the Bills come playoff time if they manage to acquire him.
Kansas City Chiefs – Resist
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While the thought of adding Jonathan Taylor to an already wildly explosive Chiefs offense might seem enticing, to me, it seems like we’ve seen this story play out already in
Kansas City.
Granted, Le’Veon Bell and LeSean McCoy were both at a more advanced stage of their respective careers when they signed on to join the Chiefs, but Taylor would likely be equally displeased with his usage as they were.
In Andy Reid’s system, running backs are regularly slotted in and out of action, and Taylor, who seems eager to earn a long-term, big-money deal would quickly become a malcontent.
Miami Dolphins – Trade For
The Dolphins finished 27th league wise in rushing yards during the 2022 season and while part of that can be attributed to their pass heavy offense, the reality is their rushing attack really lacked any sort of punch.
They are now heading into the season with Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson due to get the bulk of carries. Miami would be wise to see if it can scrap together a deal to bolster its backfield with a proven star, who would fit right into what Mike McDaniel’s offense is looking to do.
Los Angeles Rams – Resist
Sure, at this point we all know the Rams are addicted to trades with high star power, and they don’t exactly have the draft capital to rebuild their roster through the draft, but trading for Jonathan Taylor would be a huge mistake.
This should be a move reserved for a team that is a running back away – something that coming off that abomination of a 2022 campaign, the Rams are clearly not.
Chicago Bears – Trade For
There is a shocking amount of optimism heading into 2023 for a Bears team that finished dead last in the NFL last year, a lot of which stems from the dynamic playmaking ability of the team’s young quarterback, Justin Fields.
Chicago should try to bring Taylor to the Windy City, particularly while Fields is still playing on his relatively cheap rookie deal. The two of them would strike fear into every defensive coordinator’s heart that was trying to gameplan for what they might do coming out of the Chicago backfield.
Cincinnati Bengals – Resist
The Bengals are another Super Bowl favorite that people have speculated could be interested in Taylor’s services, but they aren’t a good landing spot for him. The backfield is a very talented, albeit somewhat troubled, lead back in Joe Mixon, and with the money they are going have to shell out for Joe Burrow’s extension, there is simply no room at the inn for JT.
Baltimore Ravens – Trade For
It may not be easy to maneuver after working out a long-term extension with Lamar Jackson, but the Ravens absolutely need to try and add Jonathan Taylor while he’s available.
J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards are nice players, but neither is a bonafide starter. The idea of Taylor and Jackson creating opportunities for each other in the run game is too appealing to pass on.
New England Patriots – Resist
Patriots continue to be rumored as a potential landing spot for Jonathan Taylor, despite them still having Rhamondre Stevenson and having just added Ezekiel Elliott.
The idea that keeps getting passed around is to package Rhamondre and a pick to get Taylor, but considering the success he had last year, I’d take a hard pass on that if I were New England.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Resist
Tampa Bay always seemed like a strange fit for Taylor. Yes, they were one of the worst rushing attacks in 2022—and the Bucs are in desperate need of some appeal (and talent) following Tom Brady’s retirement, but still, packaging picks for a soon-to-be high-paid running back is a terrible first step in a rebuild.
