NFL writer lists Bears among best destinations for star running back
The Chicago Bears were recently included on a list of the best fits for a star running back. Many running backs have been unhappy with the current state of the RB market, and the Colts' Jonathan Taylor is the latest to make his feelings known. The Bears did add a few guys this offseason, but […]
The Chicago Bears were recently included on a list of the best fits for a star running back.
Many running backs have been unhappy with the current state of the RB market, and the Colts' Jonathan Taylor is the latest to make his feelings known.
The Bears did add a few guys this offseason, but none of these are near the level of Taylor.
Ian Rapoport announced on Saturday night that the star RB formally requested a trade from the Indianapolis Colts.
For what it's worth, Colts' owner Jim Irsay reportedly stated shortly thereafter that the team would not be trading Taylor.
However, Irsay is known to be erratic, so this doesn't mean Taylor is for sure staying in Indy.
NFL writer Zach Ragan recently listed four teams that would make logical sense to trade for Taylor.
Included in that list is none other than the Chicago Bears. Regarding a potential fit, Ragan said the following:
The Bears have given quarterback Justin Fields some weapons this offseason — most notably wide receiver DJ Moore — but the dynamic young quarterback could still use some more playmakers around him. Chicago currently has Khalil Herbert and D'Onta Foreman as their top two running backs. Herbert has been good, but Taylor would be an upgrade (and it could make the Bears a surprise contender in the NFC North).
Herbert and Foreman are solid backs, but probably wouldn't prevent the team from seeking a player of Taylor's caliber. Roschon Johnson is a rookie and will likely take time to acclimate to the NFL game. Knowing these factors makes me believe this trade is a possibility.
What if the Bears offered Herbert as part of a trade package for Taylor? Foreman could remain as the third-down back and Johnson could learn behind one of the best in the game. Player-for-player trades are rare in the NFL, but the Colts did just take part in a trade involving two running backs last season.
Taylor battled injury in 2022 but still finished the season with 861 rushing yards and 28 receptions. The former Wisconsin Badger had his best season in 2021, ending with 1,811 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns. If you have the chance to trade for a player of that caliber, you take it.
It also helps that the Bears have the most cap space in the league currently. Trading for Taylor would be a signal to the rest of the league that the Bears are serious about contending in 2023. In a division in which the Vikings are rebuilding and the Packers are without Aaron Rodgers, why not try and go for the crown?
Jonathan Taylor requests to be traded; 4 teams that could deal for the Colts RB
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has reportedly requested to be traded out of Indy
Featured image via © Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
