The Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins reportedly are in a standoff in trade negotiations for running back Jonathan Taylor.
Indianapolis gave Taylor permission to seek a trade, but the team isn’t budging on its asking price for the former All-Pro. Taylor, a former second-round pick, is entering the final season of his rookie deal and is looking for a contract extension.
The #Colts and #Dolphins are in a good ole fashion stand-off waiting to see who will budge first to get a deal done for Jonathan Taylor.
From what I've heard the Colts don't feel any pressure to budge on what they view as their needed price to make a trade.
— Destin Adams (@TheDestinAdams) August 25, 2023
The Colts reportedly want a first-round pick, or picks that equate to a first-round selection in exchange for Taylor.
Source: The Colts are seeking a first-round pick — or package of picks that equates to as much — in a potential Jonathan Taylor trade.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) August 21, 2023
There’s no doubt that the Indianapolis running back is one of the most talented offensive players in the league, but a first-round pick is a major asking price for a player that is in need of a new deal.
Taylor is coming off a bit of a down season in the 2022 campaign, as injuries limited him to just 11 games. The Colts struggled without the star running back, scoring the second fewest points in the NFL last season.
However, 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, and he would be by far the best running back on Miami’s roster if the teams work out a deal.
Right now, the Dolphins have Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., De’Von Achane, Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed at the running back position. While that’s a solid group, none of those players have a 1,000-yard rushing season in the NFL.
Achane, a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is dealing with a shoulder injury, so the Dolphins may feel a need to add more depth at the running back spot.
There are pros and cons to adding Taylor to the roster, and it looks like the Dolphins may have to budge on how much they are willing to give up for the University of Wisconsin-Madison product if they want a deal done soon.
The Colts have some leverage in these trade talks, as they could hold onto Taylor since he’s under contract for the entire 2023 season. Also, the team would be able to franchise tag Taylor next offseason and attempt to trade him again if it wants.
For now, the Colts and Dolphins are at a stalemate, but that could change as the 2023 regular season approaches.
