Commanders emerge as Jonathan Taylor trade fit, but Colts’ latest stance creates major obstacle for Washington
ESPN identified Washington as a possible destination for Jonathan Taylor, but reporting suggests Indianapolis is reluctant to move him despite its recent veteran trades.
The Washington Commanders have been named a trade deadline fit for Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, and they should take that seriously. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Matt Bowen released their list of the top 25 trade deadline candidates, along with potential team fits for each player. Taylor made the list, and Washington was one of the landing spots attached to his name.
That should get the attention of everyone in the building in Ashburn. The Commanders need a top running back, and Taylor is exactly that.
Why Jonathan Taylor fits Washington
Taylor is one of the best running backs in the NFL. He finds the end zone often. He can become the focal point of an offense, which is something no back in Washington’s current room can claim. With lead back Jacory Croskey-Merritt being put on the IR less than 10 days ago, running back help is needed badly.
Taylor isn’t just a recognizable name who happens to be available in trade speculation. He’s producing at a level that would immediately change the expectations for Washington’s backfield.
Through seven games, Taylor is averaging 109.3 yards from scrimmage per contest and has eight rushing touchdowns, tied for the league lead. His 17 runs of at least 10 yards are also among the highest totals in football.
That’s the kind of production Washington currently lacks from a single running back.
Adding Taylor would give Jayden Daniels an established rushing threat who can handle a significant workload, create explosive plays and make defenses account for someone other than the quarterback in the running game.
It wouldn’t automatically fix every problem with the Commanders’ offense, particularly after losing Terry McLaurin. But it would give Washington a much stronger foundation in the backfield.
A running back who can carry the load lets everything else breathe. Defenses have to respect him on every down, and that changes how they line up against the passing game. The Commanders don’t have that player.
The competition for Taylor is real
The trouble is that Washington isn’t the only team on the list. Fowler and Bowen also named the Seahawks, Saints, Broncos, and Vikings as fits for Taylor.
If Taylor wants to go to a contender, that makes things difficult for the Commanders. Seattle, Denver, and possibly Minnesota sit ahead of Washington in that pecking order. A player with Taylor’s résumé is going to look at which team gives him the best shot at playing deep into January, and right now the Commanders don’t win that comparison against all of those teams.
Seattle has already shown its willingness to invest in its offense, acquiring eight-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson from Indianapolis. That could make the Seahawks an especially interesting destination for Taylor, although the Colts’ willingness to move Nelson doesn’t necessarily mean they’re prepared to trade a running back under contract for several more seasons.
The Colts appear ready to sell
Although Indianapolis has begun moving veteran players, ESPN’s Adam Schefter stated on Tuesday that the Colts don’t want to trade Taylor. Fowler and Bowen estimated only a 30% chance that he changes teams before the deadline.
Washington might be a logical destination. That doesn’t mean Indianapolis is ready to make a deal.
The Commanders should still find out what it would take.
Washington has to decide how serious it is
This comes down to what the Commanders want their offense to be. If Washington wants to be serious about its offense, making a big push for Taylor could be that move.
I know the objection. “The price will be too high, and running backs don’t move the needle anymore.” Taylor isn’t a replaceable back, though. He’s a touchdown machine who can take pressure off everyone around him, and Washington doesn’t have anyone close to that on the roster.
The Seahawks, Broncos, and Vikings may have the edge in the contender pitch. That’s fine. The Commanders can’t control that. What they can control is how aggressive they are when the phone rings.
Make the call.
