Teams that meet the criteria to trade for Colts RB Jonathan Taylor
The Indianapolis Colts and Jonathan Taylor were once again in the headlines Monday night. As the Colts officially granted Taylor the right to search for trade partners amid his trade request away from the team. While the Colts are allowing Jonathan Taylor to search for trade partners, they have no intention of just giving away […]
The Indianapolis Colts and Jonathan Taylor were once again in the headlines Monday night. As the Colts officially granted Taylor the right to search for trade partners amid his trade request away from the team.
While the Colts are allowing Jonathan Taylor to search for trade partners, they have no intention of just giving away the star RB. For a team to successfully land Taylor they will have to both be able to meet Taylors contract demands as well as the Colts trade price.
Sources have told me that a trade still remains "Highly unlikely but all it ever takes is one team".
But what teams in the NFL would even be able to meet the criteria?
Teams:
Arizona Cardinals
2024 Cap Space: Approximently 46 million (7th most in the NFL)
Draft Assetts:
- 1st Round
- 1st Round (Via Houston Texans
- 2nd Round
- 3rd Round
- 3rd Round (Via Houston Texans)
- 3rd Round (Via Tennesee Titans)
- 4th Round
- 5th Round
- 5th Round (Philadelphia Eagles)
- 7th Round
Projected Trade Package:
Colts send: Jonathan Taylor
Cardinals send: 2nd Round Pick, 5th Round Pick and LB/S Isaiah Simmons
The Cardinals are in an interesting spot as just two years ago they were looked at as one of the best teams in the NFL. But are now coming off a year where they ended the season with the 3rd overall pick and now are the consensus favorite for the 2024 1st overall pick. Due to this they may not be willing to send one of their two firsts, but without an abundance of day two picks and the cap space to add Taylor is they so wish.
The Cardinals two 1st rounders and four day 2 picks allows them to part with the 2nd rounder here and not really be hurting for assets. I've been told a 2nd and additional assets is the bare minimum necessary for the Colts to even consider the deal, and the Cardinals here also throw in 4th year LB/S Isaiah Simmons. Simmons has struggled to find his ideal role with the Cardinals, but I believe the Colts would be able to utilize his coverage ability at the LB spot to make a scary trio with Shaquile Leonard and Zaire Franklin.
With the Cardinals roster influx, is adding a star RB the wise way of using their cap space and draft capital?
Chicago Bears
2024 Cap Space: Approximently 70 million (2nd most in the NFL)
Draft Assetts:
- 1st Round
- 1st Round (Carolina Panthers)
- 2nd Round
- 3rd Round
- 4th Round
- 4th Round (Via Philadelphia Eagles)
- 5th Round
- 6th Round
Projected Trade Package:
Colts send Jonathan Taylor
Bears send: 1st Round Pick (Choice of Panthers or their own), RB Rochon Johnson
When the news broke yesterday the team that came to mind immedetialy that could meet the criteria to land Jonathan Taylor was the Chicago Bears, and their fans were less than receptive to my idea.
But the fact remains that the Bears assets and roster would make a lot of sense to be the team to land Jonathan Taylor. Their influx of draft picks for next year offers them the ability to move picks for a player of Taylors caliber. And with Justin Fields entering year 3 of his rookie deal they need to maximize their roster while they still can. If they truly belive QB Justin Fields is the real deal making an aggressive deal like this to acquire Jonathan Taylor would increase their chances of competing this year as well as being able to pay Taylor now without hindering their ability to sign Fields later.
The Bears either think they are ready to compete or they don't. A move like this would be an attempt to maximize what is left of their rookie QB contract window and give Fields an excellent complinet to his own running ability. I'd assume that they would elect to send their own first if they elected to pull the trigger on this deal to bet on themselves in the process.
While I'm sure Bears fans and the team would be happier seeing a 2nd rounder going to the Colts. I dont think that package would change the Colts mind of holding on to Taylor.
Washington Commanders
2024 Cap Space: Approximently 65 million (3rd most in the NFL)
Draft Assets:
- 1st Round
- 2nd Round
- 3rd Round
- 4th Round
- 5th Round
- 6th Round
- 7th Round
Projected Trade Package:
Colts send Jonathan Taylor, 3rd Round Pick
Commanders send: DE Chase Young
The Washington Commanders are a unique trade partner as they have their own contract dispute on their hands. As the team elected not to use their 5th year option on edge rusher Chase Young. So if both teams want to get off their current disputes this could be a perfect way to do so.
The team also has officially named 2nd year QB Sam Howell the teams starter. And he is coming off a really impressive showing that led the team to breaking the Batltimore Ravens historic preseason win streak.
A move for Taylor would likely be an attempt to push the chips in on Sam Howell and the 3 more years the team has on his rookie deal. With multiple weapons at wideout with Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotsons, adding a RB like Taylor would give Howell no excuse not to succeed.
The Commanders may not be ready though to go all in on Sam Howell, so this trade may be one that would have to happen mid season after the team sees more from the QB.
The next chapter of the Indianapolis Colts and Jonathan Taylor saga has begun.
The Indianapolis Colts elect to play ball with Jonathan Taylor amid contract disputes.
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