The Miami Dolphins are not alone in their pursuit of Jonathan Taylor as they reportedly are one of multiple teams that have called the Indianapolis Colts about the running back who has received permission to seek a trade.
“The Dolphins are among the teams that have called the Indianapolis Colts to discuss a trade involving running back Jonathan Taylor, a league source said Tuesday evening,” wrote Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
“Miami has interest in making a deal, but a handful of other teams also have inquired.”
Taylor has been unable to secure a contract extension from the Colts this offseason, which has led to him asking to find a new team.
The Dolphins have been seeking a top-tier running back this offseason and were very closely linked to Dalvin Cook before the former Minnesota Vikings star signed with the New York Jets this month. Interestingly, the Dolphins and Jets seemed to be the only NFL teams regularly connected to Cook, while Taylor seemingly will have a lot more suitors as he attempts to move on.
The 24-year-old has built an impressive resume in just three NFL seasons, including leading the league in rushing yards in the 2021 campaign after he was an All-Rookie selection for the 2020 season.
The former All-Pro is currently on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list while still recovering from offseason ankle surgery. He also has been away from Colts training camp to attend to a personal matter.
Reports say the Colts are seeking a first-round pick or collection of later-round picks in a trade for Taylor and would want to complete a deal before 53-man rosters are finalized next Tuesday prior to the start of the regular season. The other teams that might be inquiring about Taylor were not named by the Miami Herald.
The Dolphins were looking at Cook and now Taylor to perhaps find a more accomplished and durable running back than the ones they have on the roster, including Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed.
Rookie running back De’Von Achane injured his shoulder in a preseason game against the Houston Texans and is expected to miss some time, and Wilson has not been able to play in either of Miami’s first two preseason contests, perhaps increasing Miami’s needs at the position.
Mostert said this week that he is not worried about the Dolphins’ pursuit of Taylor.
A player the caliber of Taylor usually does not come on the market so early in his career, but the market surrounding running backs and their contracts could be changing that dynamic around the NFL. The Dolphins could be in a good position to take advantage of that and add another quality player to the roster.
