Packers reportedly had 'legitimate' interest in Colts RB Jonathan Taylor
A to Z Sports' Destin Adams reported Tuesday he believed the "mystery team" involved with trade talks centered around Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor was an NFC team and sure enough, he was right. Per ESPN's Stephen Holder, the Green Bay Packers were the mystery team and general manager Brian Gutekunst had "legitimate interest" in trading […]
A to Z Sports' Destin Adams reported Tuesday he believed the "mystery team" involved with trade talks centered around Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor was an NFC team and sure enough, he was right.
Per ESPN's Stephen Holder, the Green Bay Packers were the mystery team and general manager Brian Gutekunst had "legitimate interest" in trading for the star running back.
The Green Bay Packers also were in talks with the Colts and had legitimate interest in trading for the star running back, sources told ESPN. – Stephen Holder, ESPN
Even though Gutekunst is well-known for saying the Packers are "in every conversation", the point of "legitimate interest" is enough to classify this as more than just due diligence.
Especially when considering the contract statuses of current Packers running backs, Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon. The former is in the penultimate year of his deal and is slated to make north of $11 million in 2024 – none of which is guaranteed. Dillon, on the other hand, is in the final year of his rookie deal he signed back in 2020. Therefore, it makes sense for the Packers to have one eye on the future of their running back room.
Taylor would be a great fit in the Packers offense, too. He's best in a zone scheme and he's not a one-trick pony. He can run, catch, and block when needed – and at a high level. It's hard to tell what the Packers would've traded for Taylor's services, but a safe and logical assumption is that Jones or Dillon would've been part of the potential package.
The Colts said the deadline to work out a trade for Taylor was on Tuesday, but that doesn't mean all doors are closed. The NFL's trade deadline isn't until October 31, so something could certainly be worked out between now and then.
And, keep in mind that Taylor is on the PUP list, so he'll be inactive for the first four games of the season. That development could make him more affordable in the future, but as with all thing, only time will tell.
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