The Miami Dolphins reportedly remain actively involved in trade talks to acquire running back Jonathan Taylor but could be facing competition from another team as a possible deadline to make a deal approaches quickly.
Jonathan Taylor update: Talks continue and, as expected, this will go down to the wire.
One tidbit: I believe there to be a second team involved beyond the Dolphins, which would certainly change the dynamics.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) August 28, 2023
Dolphins have presented multiple potential trade packages. But who the hell knows what Jim Irsay will do when he wakes up in the morning? https://t.co/fk6mRPuU7I
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) August 28, 2023
Ryan Clark reiterating on ESPN that Jonathan Taylor would make Dolphins "unstoppable" and that Miami needs to do whatever it takes to get him. But I have received no indication that Miami has met Colts' very high demands or seems inclined to, if Colts stick to those demands.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) August 28, 2023
With the Dolphins reportedly presenting multiple trade packages to the Colts, it would seem they are making a solid push for the running back, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that Indianapolis likes what Miami has offered.
Indianapolis is believed to want to make a decision on Taylor before the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline arrives Tuesday at 4 p.m.
Taylor is seeking a trade after failed contract negotiations with the Colts. He is currently on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list while still recovering from offseason ankle surgery, and if he remains there after the roster deadline, he will not be eligible to play in the first four games of the regular season.
The NFL trade deadline for the 2023 season isn’t until Oct. 31, but it is likely that both the Colts and whoever potentially acquires Taylor would rather have this done sooner than later.
Any trade will undoubtedly be complex, with a contract extension for Taylor a possibility to be part of any transaction. The Colts reportedly are looking for a first-round pick — or a collection of later-round picks equivalent to one — or perhaps a veteran player in exchange for Taylor, who led the NFL in rushing yards in the 2021 season.
Teams like the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles have been linked to the University of Wisconsin product, but it’s unclear who’s still in the mix at this point.
It was recently reported that the Dolphins do not feel “pressed” to make a trade for Taylor, but as the roster deadline and regular season approach, they may have increased their sense of urgency.
The Dolphins were linked to running back Dalvin Cook for almost the entire offseason before the Miami native signed with the New York Jets earlier this month. So, it seems they very much want to upgrade their running back room, and though there are pros and cons to acquiring Taylor, this opportunity is likely their last chance to make a big splash before opening the season at the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 10.
