Jonathan Taylor will be eligible to be removed from the NFL’s physically unable to perform list after Week 4. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the All-Pro running back is set to return to the Indianapolis Colts.
Despite all signs pointing to Taylor being healthy enough to come off the PUP list, it’s also possible the Colts will grant their star player’s trade request. While early negotiations haven’t gone anywhere, part of that is likely due to the team’s ridiculous initial asking price of a first-round pick or multiple Day 2 selections. They’ve even asked for emerging star receivers such as Jaylen Waddle or Christian Watson from Miami and Green Bay.
It’s no surprise that earlier discussions didn’t go anywhere. Not at that price, plus knowing Taylor’s on an expiring contract and will need to be paid as one of the best running backs in football either right away or later this offseason.
Yet, there is a path to a potential trade coming before the October 31 trade deadline, which comes after the Colts’ Week 8 matchup in New Orleans, especially now that the Colts have reduced their asking price.
According to Tom Pelissero, the Colts are asking for what is “roughly” equal to a “high second-round pick.” While he didn’t provide specifics, common sense suggests this means the Colts would like a pick anywhere from No. 32 to No. 45, if not higher, in exchange for their starting tailback.
Taylor, who led the NFL in rushing with 1,811 yards in 2021, is coming off a bit of a down season where he not only struggled with ankle injuries but also saw his yards per carry dwindle from 5.5 YPA to 4.5. Yet, the entire Colts team had a tough time getting anything going, with even All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson taking a step back, finishing with the worst Pro Football Focus player grade of his career at 68.4.
While a Taylor trade could theoretically happen at any point, and some even expect a deal soon, Pelissero adds that the offers have “been nothing close” to what the Colts are asking for just yet. However, trade talks are expected to ramp up once Taylor is eligible to come off the PUP list following Week 4.
So far, several teams have expressed interest, including the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers, among others.
Here’s a full list of teams linked to a Taylor trade:
- Buffalo Bills
- Green Bay Packers
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Los Angeles Rams
- Miami Dolphins
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Washington Commanders
Some of those teams can likely already be crossed off the list. Miami has the best rushing attack in football through three weeks. Buffalo has James Cook, who’s thriving as a starter this season and ranks third in the NFL with 267 rushing yards.
Meanwhile, it’s always possible for another team to emerge. It just takes one contender willing to take a chance on Taylor, either as a rental or as a potential long-term solution to their backfield. Packing power and speed, Taylor is one of the best backs in the NFL today. If the Colts don’t see the value in the 24-year-old, another team surely will, but are they willing to pay the price, both via trade and contractually? That’s the big question that has yet to be answered.
Related: NFL trade block: A look at players who could be moved ahead of Oct. 31 NFL trade deadline