In the Week 2 Monday night matchup between the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the NFL world watched All-Pro running back Nick Chubb suffer a gruesome knee injury. After the game, it was confirmed that Chubb’s injury was significant, and that he’ll be out for the rest of the 2023 NFL season.
That leaves a talented 1-1 Browns team without their best player. Chubb, who’s spent his entire career in Cleveland, has been one of the best running backs in the league since entering the NFL in 2018. He’s made four Pro Bowls, and has been the engine of Cleveland’s offense. With him sidelined, expectations for the Browns drop significantly this season.
That's why there’s a belief that Cleveland may be desperate to add another elite running back this year. Shortly after Chubb went down, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was trending on social media. Many people explained that it makes sense for Cleveland to go after Taylor. Former NFL executive, Michael Lombardi, explained that since the Browns have gone all in on this season, they might be willing to “pay handsomely” for Taylor.
Could Colts trade Jonathan Taylor to Browns?
Indianapolis has made it clear that if Taylor is traded, it will be for a package that’s worthwhile. Lombardi, who spent time with Cleveland throughout three different decades, is convinced that the Browns don’t want this season to slip away, so they’d be willing to do whatever it takes to remain at contender status. That could mean trading a lot to acquire Jonathan Taylor.
However, that doesn’t mean that it’s a forgone conclusion that Taylor is a Brown. Cleveland has options. Veteran running back Kareem Hunt, who spent the last four years with the Browns, is currently a free agent and has to be an option. Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers is also available for a trade. Cleveland could also decide to stick with backup Jerome Ford, who stepped up big and ran for 106 yards on 16 carries, once Chubb went down.
Again, the Cleveland Browns have options, but Jonathan Taylor is certainly the best, and most expensive, option. The Colts will be waiting to see if they’ll receive a call from Cleveland.