SI:AM | Jonathan Taylor’s Trade Request Is a Tall Order
Good morning, I’m Kevin Sweeney, filling in again for Dan Gartland. Our shortened newsletter this morning zooms in on a big-name running back potentially on the move.
In today’s SI:AM:
🐴 Jonathan Taylor’s trade request looms large
⚾ Why the Angels’ deadline moves weren’t enough
🏈 Harbaugh takes self-imposed three-game ban
Stephen R. Sylvanie/USA TODAY Sports
Latest on Jonathan Taylor’s trade request
Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor is officially on the market, with the organization granting him permission to seek a trade. This comes after Taylor and the Colts hit a wall in negotiations for a contract extension in yet another example of a star running back not receiving the big payday he desires.
This certainly doesn’t mean Taylor will be dealt. As Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr wrote, Indianapolis’s unwillingness to pay top dollar for a running back is far from unique around the league, so it’s hard to envision another team meeting Taylor’s demands. Plus, any potential deal has to make sense for the Colts, which are reportedly seeking a first-round pick in return. If teams don’t want to spend big on a free-agent running back, why would they pay Taylor and give draft compensation? This may be Taylor’s only option for higher pay, but that doesn’t mean it’s likely to work.
Nevertheless, there exist a few historical instances that Taylor could draw upon for guidance. The 49ers spent big to acquire Christian McCaffrey midseason last year, and Taylor’s ability out of the backfield makes him a comparable weapon. Maybe the right team has an untimely injury and decides investing in Taylor is its best chance of competing for a championship. Big deals for running backs are growing rare but aren’t impossible.
One reported potential landing spot: Miami, where the Dolphins are expected to explore a move for the star back. The Dolphins have one of the league’s most exciting offenses already, with dynamic wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle teaming up with Tua Tagovailoa. Add in a star running back, and things could get scary in a hurry for opposing defenses.
The best of SI
- The Angels’ playoff hopes are all but gone. Emma Baccellieri details what went wrong and why the organization’s hope of a turnaround didn’t pay off.
- Tom Brady may have retired, but his imprints on the Buccaneers’ organization are still evident. Here’s why they might surprise in 2023.
- Julio Rodríguez is earning the headlines, but Tom Verducci writes the Mariners’ crafty pitching staff is driving the team’s playoff push.
- After a negotiated deal with the NCAA fell through, Michigan is self-imposing a three-game suspension on coach Jim Harbaugh.
- Some notes on Week 2 of the NFL preseason from Gilberto Manzano, including thoughts on some big-name young QBs.
- Yes, even Bill Belichick has thoughts on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.
