Intriguing Packers pursuit of star offensive weapon could be reignited by latest Giannis-inspired NFL trade proposal
The Packers tried to acquire running back Jonathan Taylor from the Indianapolis Colts back in 2023, and a new opportunity could arise now.
It’s not news that the Green Bay Packers like running back Jonathan Taylor. Back in 2023, general manager Brian Gutekunst reached out to Chris Ballard trying to acquire the star offensive player, but the Indianapolis Colts asked for wide receiver Christian Watson as part of the deal.
Now, three years later, a new opportunity could realistically arise. CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell made a list of NFL players who would pull a Giannis Antetokounmpo move requesting a trade, and Taylor made the list due to his contract situation in Indy.
Why it could actually happen
Podell mentions that Taylor is the second most productive running back of the 2020s, right after Derrick Henry. In 2026, he will play the final year of the contract extension he signed back in 2023. Taylor is set to make $13 million.
“Prediction on whether or not Taylor will eventually ask for a trade: Yes, by the 2026 NFL trade deadline.
“Taylor enters the final year of his three-year, $42 million contract in 2026, so if the Colts start off slow thanks to unreliable starts to the year by Jones and Pierce, it would be in both the franchise’s and Taylor’s best interest to part ways at the trade deadline.
“Compensation to get the deal done: Third-round pick” — Garrett Podell
Why it makes sense for the Packers
The Packers don’t have a great option at running back beyond Josh Jacobs, but the financial ramifications could make this deal interesting. First, Jacobs was arrested during the offseason and it’s unclear if the situation will have new developments.
Anyway, Jacobs is entering a key contract season himself, because there are no guarantees left on his deal. Green Bay doesn’t have a great long-term alternative, though, which makes a potential trade for Taylor more enticing.
Taylor is just a year younger, but he’s still producing at an absurdly high level. Last year, he had 1,963 scrimmage yards and 20 total touchdowns for the Colts.
It’s not easy to give up draft compensation plus a contract extension for a player, especially a non-premium position one, but Taylor is the type of offensive weapon you could create an exception for. In the Packers’ case, that’s more pronounced because Matt LaFleur’s offensive philosophy is run-heavy.
In terms of money, the Packers could realistically work on a mid-term extension. It’s not viable to pay two high-priced backs at the same time, but the Packers could easily move on from Jacobs’ $13.5 million salary in 2027 without significant cap repercussions.
Brian Gutekunst has already shown he’s willing to make aggressive moves if he thinks they can help the team in both the present and future. If Taylor shows early in the season he’s healthy enough to be that piece for years to come, and a trade opportunity presents itself, the Packers would have good reasons to pull the trigger.