Adam Schefter Doubts Jonathan Taylor Trade
The Indianapolis Colts gave permission for Jonathan Taylor and his representatives to seek a trade, but reportedly they set a price tag of a first-round pick or picks equal to a first rounder.
They gave Taylor a deadline of Tuesday, August 29th for a deal to be done. ESPN's Adam Schefter weighed in on Monday night on the Taylor situation, and he thinks the Colts' price tag is too high... right now.
"It is not an easy trade to pull off," said Schefter on ESPN. "As we know, any team that trades for Jonathan Taylor has to compensate the Indianapolis Colts, and they're not looking to give him away. Any team that trades for him, has to give Jonathan Taylor a new contract."
"To find a team that's willing to do both is difficult to do. Not that it's impossible, but it's challenging."
"Now something could always change between now and tomorrow's (Tuesday's) deadline. The deadline that the Colts have given Jonathan Taylor to find a trade partner."
Schefter left wiggle room on either side for a deal to get done at the deadline. The Colts could lower their asking price, or an interested team could raise their offer.
"Now again, could there be a team that jumps in, makes a last minute push, pulls a surprise? Absolutely. He's that good and that talented and that in demand."
"But right now, it does not seem that a trade is imminent at this moment."
Schefter's report comes in conflict with the industry's other leading NFL Insider, Ian Rapoport. Yesterday Rapoport thought a trade was likely. Rapoport's report came out early Monday afternoon, and Schefter had the benefit of several hours.
Rapoport may have been right at the time. That's how quickly things can change.
If the Colts don't get a deal done for Taylor, will they come to the table with a contract extension? Taylor is scheduled to make $4.3 million this year according to Spotrac, the last year of his rookie contract.
Josh Jacobs got a deal done with the Raiders. Saquon Barkley got a deal done with the Giants.
Taylor staying with the Colts still makes the most sense, as long as that bridge hasn't been burned during what has appeared to be a fairly acrimonious negotiation this summer.
