Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor would be happy with a trade to the Miami Dolphins, according to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson.
Miami has engaged in trade talks with the Colts. The team had an initial offer that wasn’t accepted, and it continues to go through the negotiation process.
“The Dolphins and Colts have continued discussions on a Jonathan Taylor trade, with at least one other team also believed to have made a serious offer to acquire the 2021 All Pro running back,” Jackson wrote.
“Miami has made at least one offer, that was not accepted, and continues to engage the Colts in negotiations, according to a source.”
The Dolphins aren’t the only team interested in the former All-Pro running back, as the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears also have their eyes on Taylor. The Colts running back is entering the final year of his rookie contract and would like a new deal.
“Denver and Chicago are among other teams that reportedly have expressed interest,” Jackson wrote.
“As of Thursday morning, no team was believed to have met Indianapolis’ request for a first-round pick or something comparable in value.”
Indy’s asking price is certainly high since a team would need to extend Taylor to keep him beyond this season, unless it plans on franchise tagging the running back following the 2023 campaign.
According to Jackson, the former second-round pick would be happy if he were dealt to the Dolphins.
“Taylor has a home in South Florida and trains here in the offseason and would be happy with a trade to Miami, according to a source,” Jackson wrote. “But he also would be happy with a trade to several other teams.”
It seems like Taylor’s focus is to get out of Indianapolis since the team doesn’t appear to be interested in paying him the money he believes he’s worth in an extension.
During the 2021 season, Taylor led the NFL in rushing yards (1,811), rushing touchdowns (18) and yards from scrimmage (2,171) while carrying the ball 332 times. He was an absolute workhorse, carrying the Indianapolis offense.
Last season, injuries limited him to just 11 games, but he still put up solid numbers. Taylor finished the season with 192 carries for 861 yards and four touchdowns.
Miami would love to upgrade its backfield with Taylor, as the team currently has Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., De’Von Achane, Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed at the position. None of those five players have ever rushed for 1,000 yards in a single season.
It’s a good sign that Taylor would welcome a trade to Miami, but the Colts likely aren’t going to settle on a Taylor deal for cheap. The team that gives Indy the best offer – which likely means plenty of draft capital – will almost certainly be the one that lands the star running back this season.
