The Miami Dolphins reportedly could still land Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor in a trade this season.
According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, the Dolphins could still be an option after they had extensive talks with the Colts regarding Taylor last month.
The Dolphins and Green Bay Packers were the two main landing spots for Taylor in a potential trade in August.
“Sources say Taylor is healthy and likely would be able to pass a physical today if one was required,” Rapoport wrote. “That indicates he would be able to come off the PUP list as soon as is allowed. (The Colts placed Taylor on PUP on Aug. 29 as he continued to recover from an ankle injury that required offseason surgery.)
“When Taylor requested and received permission to seek a trade in August, the Dolphins and Packers were the two main potential landing spots. Green Bay offered two mid-round picks for Taylor, but now that the regular season has started, those talks are over, sources say.
“Don’t be surprised if Miami is still an option, sources say. They had extensive talks with Colts general manager Chris Ballard and despite discussing various options — picks, players, both — no deal grew imminent.”
Since the Colts’ talks with Green Bay appear to be over, Indianapolis may be left with just one serious suitor for Taylor if the Dolphins are still interested. That could help Miami get the running back at a lower asking price than Indy was previously looking for.
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 rushing touchdowns.
Miami’s running back position does have some question marks, especially with Jeff Wilson Jr. landing on injured reserve to open the 2023 season. The team also let running back Myles Gaskin go in final cuts.
That leaves the Dolphins with players like Raheem Mostert, Salvon Ahmed and rookie De’Von Achane as their primary options at running back to start the 2023 season. Achane, however, will be inactive in Week 1.
Taylor, who is looking for a new contract since he’s in the final season of his rookie deal, would be a massive upgrade to the team’s backfield.
“With four weeks to evaluate its current options, Miami getting back in the mix is possible, as no one has closed the door,” Rapoport wrote. “There also could be another high-quality RB-needy team that emerges if an injury occurs or a player doesn’t quite perform as expected.
“There is also the chance — slim, but possible — that Taylor returns to play for Indy. That would likely require a contract extension — which the Colts have not yet been willing to offer. In the meantime, Taylor is training hard and as one source explained, the waters are calming down.”
A former second-round pick, Taylor is still a young player at 24 years old.
If the asking price from Indy is fair, the Dolphins could certainly revisit talks for Taylor to help bolster their chances of making the playoffs in the 2023 season.
