Report: Miami Dolphins expected to explore trade for Jonathan Taylor

The Miami Dolphins reportedly are expected to at least explore a trade for Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor.

Indianapolis reportedly gave Taylor permission to seek a trade on Monday, which could be huge for the running back who is entering the final season of his rookie contract.

The Dolphins, who missed out on free agent running back Dalvin Cook this offseason, have been looking to beef up their running game.

Miami currently has rookie De’Von Achane, Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed at the running back position.

Achane was injured in the team’s last preseason game against the Houston Texans, so more depth at the position could be needed. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel revealed that Achane is week-to-week with a shoulder injury.

The Colts are certainly going to want a solid return for a player of Taylor’s caliber, but the Dolphins may be able to entice them with an offer.

Taylor, who is entering the final season of his rookie deal, wants a new contract, but the Colts have been reluctant to give him one. The former second-round pick has been an extremely important piece of the Colts’ offense since being drafted.

An All-Pro in the 2021 season, Taylor carried the ball a league-high 332 times.

In turn, he produced at a high level. The Colts running back led the NFL in rushing yards (1,811), rushing touchdowns (18) and yards from scrimmage (2,171) in the 2021 season.

Injuries limited Taylor to just 11 games in the 2022 campaign, and the Colts’ offense struggled because of it. Taylor finished the season with 192 carries for 861 yards and four rushing touchdowns in 11 games.

Taylor would bring yet another star to the Miami offense alongside Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Miami would likely take a ton of pressure off of Tagovailoa – the team’s signal-caller – if it could add such an established running back to the offense.

If the Dolphins do make a deal for Taylor, they’ll likely want to secure an extension with him as well if they give up a major asset. Taylor has some tread on his tires from his big workload in 2021, but he’s still an effective runner that’s only played three NFL seasons.