NFL.com Reveals Top 5 Jonathan Taylor Trade Destinations
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor seems to be one-week closer to returning. He's eligible to return from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list after three-more games.
Adam Schefter reported last week that passing a physical and being ready to play wouldn't pose a problem for Taylor.
Meanwhile, the Colts are being linked with replacement running backs like D'Andre Swift in case they can't come to some agreement with Taylor.
Week 1 is in the books in the NFL, and it only takes one injury for a team's needs to change drastically.
Maurice Jones-Drew of NFL.com named the Top 5 Trade Destinations for Taylor after the dust settled following Week 1.
He put the Baltimore Ravens on top.
"The Ravens lost J.K. Dobbins to a season-ending Achilles tear during their Week 1 win over the Texans," wrote Jones-Drew on NFL.com. With Gus Edwards and Justice Hill on the active roster, head coach John Harbaugh said Monday that the team would look in-house to replace Dobbins’ production."
"Imagine this rushing attack with Lamar Jackson and Taylor. Baltimore would dominate defenses on the ground, and that threat would help open up new OC Todd Monken’s passing game."
Jackson and Taylor? How about Anthony Richardson and Taylor? The Ravens are farther ahead than the rebuilding Colts, but Taylor still fits into the Indianapolis offense like a round peg in a round hole.
Jones-Drew lists the Chicago Bears as the No. 2 option.
"The Bears have a lot of issues offensively, but fielding a consistent run game that doesn’t rely so much on Justin Fields would help immensely with the young quarterback’s development," wrote Jones-Drew.
Switch Bears with Colts and Fields with Richardson, and the statement still holds water.
Coming in at No. 3 are the Miami Dolphins.
"In its Week 1 road win over the Chargers, the Dolphins ran the ball 20 times for 70 yards, with a two-yard touchdown run by Raheem Mostert," wrote Jones-Drew. "The rushing attack featuring Mostert and Salvon Ahmed (De'Von Achane was inactive in Week 1 and Jeff Wilson Jr. is on injured reserve) lacks juice. The Dolphins have an explosive passing attack, but Taylor’s presence in the backfield could give Miami the NFL’s top offense."
Jones-Drew mentioned in the article that the Dolphins were one of the teams showing interest in Taylor before the trade deadline. They scored 36 points on Sunday against the LA Chargers without much of a running game. They may be willing to come closer to the Colts' trade demands if they feel their Super Bowl window is open.
The Minnesota Vikings check in at No 4. Are they ready to hit the panic button on their rushing attack?
"It’s only been one week, but it seems like Dalvin Cook's absence is felt a little more than some expected," wrote Jones-Drew. "The Vikings rushed for a measly 41 yards(!) against the Buccaneers -- tied for the fewest in the league in Week 1 -- with first-year starter Alexander Mattison logging 34 yards on 11 carries."
Jones-Drew lists the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 5. They had a surprising 20-17 win in Minnesota, but are they in a spot with their roster to invest in a running back going into a second contract?
"Rachaad White is the current starter, with the Bucs also getting contributions from Sean Tucker and Chase Edmonds," wrote Jones-Drew. "Taylor could be the element that helps this team stay at the top of the division and cements Mayfield's spot in Tampa moving forward."
Of the five teams Jones-Drew mentioned, the Dolphins and Ravens seem to make the most sense. Both teams have aspirations to make a deep-playoff run. Those are the kind of teams that should be thinking Jonathan Taylor.
From a cost/fit perspective, we maintain the team that fits Taylor the best is the Indianapolis Colts. If that bridge is burned and the relationship is beyond repair, there will be plenty of suitors for the Colts, if they're serious about trading him.
