Bills Trade for RB Jonathan Taylor? Pros & Cons of Move
The Buffalo Bills have seen firsthand what Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor can do. And now that he's reportedly requested a trade, it's reasonable to think that a Buffalo team, which hasn't had a 1,000-yard rusher since 2017, would be one to perk its ears up at the news.
There's currently no reported reason to believe that the Bills will make a move for Taylor. But in the event that they do, here's three pros and three cons for having him on the roster:
Pro: The Bills would be getting a certified star running back
Adding Taylor to the backfield alongside second-year running back James Cook with Josh Allen running the show would be a site to see. Taylor is a little over one year removed from leading the league in rushing in 2021, which was highlighted by a game for the ages against the Bills where he posted 204 total yards on 35 touches and five touchdowns in a dominant 41-15 win over Buffalo at Highmark Stadium.
Bills Mafia is likely still scarred from this game. Adding Taylor to the mix would help heal some of the trauma.
Con: One-year rental? Taylor is entering free agency in 2024
If there's any running back that can set a new standard for the position in the current market, it's Taylor. But it's highly unlikely that the Bills will be the one to make this happen for him.
The Bills made it clear this offseason that they aren't keen on giving big money to running backs. They let Devin Singletary walk in free agency while signing Damien Harris and Latavius Murray to smaller one-year deals that, combined, aren't much more than what the Houston Texans gave Singletary.
It's safe to say that Taylor won't be taking any one-year minimum deals from anyone next offseason. The Bills could have the option to franchise tag Taylor after one year, but let's not get ahead of ourselves just yet.
Pro: The Bills would have an answer for Kansas City & Cincinnati's stout run defenses
The Bills run defense allowed the fifth-fewest yards per game last season (104.6), but not far behind were the Bengals at No. 7 (106.6) and the Chiefs at No. 8 (107.2). To get over the hump in the AFC, Buffalo will need to topple these two powerhouses, but can only do so by using both Allen's arm and an elite running game. Adding Taylor to the backfield would give the Bills a true weapon against these strong run defenses, as the Bengals and Chiefs would have more to worry about against an already talented Buffalo offense.
In the AFC Divisional loss to the Bengals, Allen was Buffalo's leading rusher with a grand total of 26 yards. Granted, the Bills had to throw for most of the second half while trailing, but this lack of rushing production won't cut it for a team that's entering another Super Bowl-or-bust season.
Con: Taylor is coming off a season where he dealt with ankle issues, had offseason surgery
Taylor missed six games last season due to high-ankle issues. He underwent cleanup surgery in January, but teams could shy away from trading for him due to the risk of re-injury.
DraftSharks.com lists Taylor's chance of re-injury this season at 75 percent. Ankle sprains usually aren't as problematic as knee issues, but there still remains room for concern. The Bills' potential one-year rental for Taylor could go to waste if he misses extended time due to any further ailments.
Pro: Taylor's presence would take a physical toll off of Allen
General manager Brandon Beane, coach Sean McDermott and even Allen himself have stressed all offseason how the Bills' franchise quarterback needs to adjust his play style in order to avoid potential injury.
With a workhorse like Taylor at running back, Allen could limit the amount of time he's lowering his shoulder and putting his body on the line. Taylor would be the main option on the goal line and in short-yardage scenarios, while Allen could use his legs as a scrambler that aims for the sideline more often than he's used too.
Con: Potentially halting James Cook's growth
If the Bills were to somehow make a deal for Taylor, it's highly unlikely he becomes the team's long-term answer at running back. As it stands, that title currently belongs to Cook, who is looking more and more like a do-it-all RB1 for Buffalo during training camp.
But the Bills adding Taylor for a year or maybe two knowing that he's unlikely here to stay would put a potential stunt on Cook's growth. Considering Cook was a second-round pick just a year ago, this may not be a risk the Bills want to take, especially if they don't win a Super Bowl with Taylor as the lead back. It's a smaller con, but still one to think about.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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