Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is currently on the PUP list, but looks ready to return once he’s eligible to be activated in Week 5. While Taylor is currently on Indy’s roster, there’s no guarantee that he’ll return to action with the Colts. Indianapolis certainly wants to keep him, but Taylor still wants a new contract, and it’s been reported that a trade is still possible.
So let’s have some fun and put together some hypothetical trades. As the Taylor saga continues to churn, let’s discuss 10 teams that could trade for Jonathan Taylor, and what the Colts would probably get back in return.
9. Baltimore Ravens
Ravens receive: RB Johnathan Taylor, 2024 7th (Own)
Colts receive: WR Devin Duvernay, 2024 2nd (Own), 2024 5th (Own), 2025 4th (Own)
No surprise that the Baltimore Ravens have to be an option with the season ending injury to starting running back JK Dobbins Week 1. Baltimore always seems to have some RB injury every season and is always looking to fill that void. Taylor would put them into true Super Bowl contender category with a core of QB Lamar Jackson, WRs Odell Beckham Jr. and Zay Flowers and Taylor.
For Indianapolis, it would bring them a mid-tier wide receiver with some draft capital that Chris Ballard needs for next season. I think Indianapolis will struggle to get a deal done as Ballard might want more (such as Zay Flowers) and Baltimore might be reluctant to give up the young talent that Indianapolis would want.
8. Arizona Cardinals
Cardinals receive: RB Johnathan Taylor
Colts receive: WR Zach Pascal, 2024 3rd (Own), 2024 3rd (Houston), 2024 5th (Own)
This one intrigues me because not only the return of Zach Pascal to Indianapolis, but this could truly spell the end of the old regime in Arizona. With the uncertainty surrounding Kyler Murray’s future after his ACL injury and his inconsistent play, could this be the first piece to the re-build in Arizona?
If they did move on from Murray somehow and draft a QB high in the draft (such as Caleb Williams), Taylor would be the perfect young RB to pair with a new QB. Arizona now has 11 draft picks to play with to make moves and would still have eight after this deal. For Indianapolis, it would bring back a framiliar face to the locker room and some veteran leadership that would be needed for Richardson and on special teams.
7. Chicago Bears
Bears receive: RB Jonathan Taylor
Colts receive: Darnell Mooney, 2024 3rd Round Pick, 2024 4th Round Pick
I know this doesn’t sound very entertaining for Colts fans but there is no way the Bears will be trading DJ Moore, and Chase Claypool seems to be disinterested this season. That leaves Darnell Mooney and he has quietly had a really strong career in Chicago. He has never had a season where he has caught less than 40 balls. He reminds you a lot of Micheal Pittman Jr., not a guy who will score a lot of TDs but will be a reliable pass catcher for the Colts system.
For the Bears, it gives them a key piece to their re-building effort and would take the pressure off QB Justin Fields and allow him to throw it around some more. This would give them a core of Fields, Moore and Taylor to build on the defense they’re building under former Colts DC Matt Eberflus.
6. Miami Dolphins
Dolphins receive: RB Jonathan Taylor, 2024 3rd (Own)
Colts receive: WR Jaylen Waddle, RB Jeff Wilson Jr., 2024 6th (Own)
This is about as blockbuster of a trade as you can get in the NFL. Miami is a bit strapped with draft capital next season, so the players will be key in this deal. Miami said Jaylen Waddle was not discussed in the past discussions, but we all know Ballard most likely asked for him. This trade helps both teams significantly in areas of need.
For Miami, it gives them stability in the running back room as Raheem Mostert is injury prone and Jeff Wilson Jr. and rookie Devon Achane started the year injured. It allows them to get back a high third-round pick, as well, that they must forfeit in the 2024 draft. For Indianapolis, this is an absolute home run for them. They are able to rid themselves of an unhappy player and they get a Pro-Bowl caliber player with Waddle and they get some much needed depth with a capable backup to Zack Moss.
5. Buffalo Bills
Bills receive: RB Jonathan Taylor
Colts receive: WR Gabe Davis, RB Damien Harris, 2024 6th (HOU)
Another trade that makes sense for both teams with Buffalo giving up some assets to get that last missing piece they need to solidify a Super Bowl, getting over the hump. The running game has always been there weakness on the roster, as they have never had that all encompassing back that can do it all. Taylor gives them that versatility now. For Indy, Gabe Davis will come in with the ability to play all areas of the field and gives a new toy for Richardson. They gain some depth and insurance with Damien Harris and pick up some late round Day 3 draft capital.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bucs receive: RB Jonathan Taylor
Colts receive: WR Mike Evans
This is another shot in the dark, but I would not rule it out. Tampa Bay chose not to extend Mike Evans’ contract at his self-imposed deadline. Evans does want to finish his career as a Buc but you have to think he might be intrigued with the possibility of playing with Anthony Richardson and trying to build something in Indianapolis.
The Colts will have the cap space to sign him to a multi-year contract before they must pay Richardson if he works out. For Tampa, it gives them some value for Evans instead of him just walking in 2024 into free agency. It also gives them a piece for the future, especially if Baker Mayfield is not the answer, they can draft a QB in 2024, where the draft class is loaded with talent at that position and begin the true rebuild with a pillar at a skill position.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs receive: RB Jonathan Taylor
Colts receive: WR Rashee Rice, RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
If the Chiefs want to get a deal done for Taylor, they will have to do it with players on their roster as they have minimal draft capital in 2024. Do the Chiefs really need Jonathan Taylor? No, they do not. But would it make them that much more dangerous than they already are? Absolutely. Isiah Pacheco has proven to be a very capable starting running back but if you want to stay a contender you have to have depth at all positions.
For Indianapolis, they get a new young wide receiver on a rookie contract and a running back with something to prove. CEH lost his starting job last season to Pacheco due to injury and lack of performance. He has talent and a change of scenery could help him blossom back to a starting-caliber running back.
2. Tennessee Titans
Titans receive: RB Jonathan Taylor
Colts receive: WR Treylon Burks, 2024 2nd (Own), 2025 4th (Own)
On the surface, this seems odd because the Titans already have an all-purpose back in Derrick Henry. But let’s dive a little deeper into this. The Titans fired their GM last season and will most likely have a new QB under center with either Malik Willis or Will Levis. Henry is 29 years old and in the final year of his 4yr/$50-million-dollar contract. Tennessee would obviously need to get away from Henry either at the deadline or let him walk in 2024. To acquire an all-purpose back at the age of 24 vs. giving Henry a third contract at 30, would be enticing to any franchise. As for Indianapolis, they get some depth and insurance with Treylon Burks and some small draft capital for the next couple of years to continue to re-build this roster.
1. Green Bay Packers
Packers receive: RB Jonathan Taylor
Colts receive: WR Christian Watson, 2024 3rd (Own), 2024 6th (Own), 2025 4th (Own)
In a past article, I discussed what a couple of trades might look like for Taylor. Let’s update this now as some things have changed for Green Bay, and I still think they have interest in Taylor going forward. The rumors were Ballard asked for Christian Watson and some draft capital. The biggest change since that rumor was mentioned is that Aaron Jones is dealing with a hamstring injury.
While it sounds normal, we all know that hamstring injuries can linger and sometimes get worse. They have a very capable backup in AJ Dillon but with Jones nearing the end of his contract after the 2024 season, this might be a good opportunity to re-enforce the running game and maybe find a landing spot for either Dillon’s or Jones’ future.