The Miami Dolphins reportedly do not feel “pressed” to make a trade for Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor.
Dolphins insider Omar Kelly added more.
“The Miami Dolphins are interested in acquiring tailback Jonathan Taylor, but the franchise isn’t pressed to get a deal done if the price is too steep,” wrote Kelly.
“According to a league source, Miami’s initial offer to the Indianapolis Colts didn’t intrigue General Manager Chris Ballard, who seems to be playing a waiting game with the anticipation that better offers will come this weekend, as teams begin discussing, and assessing their rosters as a prerequisite for Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline to get the training camp rosters down to 53 players.”
Jeremy Fowler update on #Colts RB Jonathan Taylor:
Multiple teams have interest in the all-pro back.#Dolphins feel they don't need to make a deal for Taylor and are "not pressed" to do so.
Execs are skeptical that any deal gets done due to the picks/contract. pic.twitter.com/ZkNOUlERMY
— uSTADIUM App (@uSTADIUM) August 26, 2023
Taylor this week reportedly was granted permission to seek a trade as the 24-year-old has been unable to land a contract extension with the Colts. The lack of negotiations and some controversial comments by Colts owner Jim Irsay also have made the situation between the sides more contentious.
It’s been reported that Indianapolis is seeking a first-round pick or the equivalent of one (a combination of later picks) or a veteran player for Taylor. The Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles are among the teams that may be pursuing the one-time All-Pro.
“About half a dozen teams have expressed interest in acquiring Taylor, and there’s league-wide speculation that Denver, Philadelphia and Chicago are among those teams,” wrote Kelly.
The Dolphins were linked to running back Dalvin Cook for much of the offseason before he signed with the New York Jets this month and reportedly inquired about Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs. Miami may be looking to upgrade at the position, with Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., Myles Gaskin, Salvon Ahmed plus rookie De’Von Achane among those currently on the roster.
Achane injured his shoulder in a preseason game and has missed some time since, and Wilson has not been able to play in either of Miami’s first two preseason contests, with the third and final one on Saturday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Taylor is currently on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list while recovering from offseason ankle surgery and recently returned to the Colts after taking time away from training camp. If he remains on the PUP list much longer, he cannot play in the first four games of the season.
The University of Wisconsin product has earned significant accomplishments 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.
Mostert recently said he is not worried about Miami possibly adding Taylor, and it looks like the Dolphins are not very concerned if they do or don’t either.
