The Colts are coming close to the point when they will need to make a call on Jonathan Taylor. The former rushing champion can be activated from the reserve/PUP list next week, and he already could return to practice for the team.
While Taylor has shared a video of himself training at the Colts’ facility, ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano notes the fourth-year running back has not changed his stance on playing for the team again. Taylor has sought a trade since July, and although the Colts halted talks before the deadline to set their initial 53-man roster, they have until Oct. 31 to unload him this year.
Just as Taylor wants a deal that leads him out of Indianapolis, Graziano adds the Colts have not adjusted their stance on an extension. Indy is not budging on that front, either. The Colts, who have the option of franchise-tagging Taylor in 2024, have not offered him a deal.
Zack Moss has fared well since returning from a broken arm, playing 98% of the team’s RB snaps in Week 2 and totaling 122 yards (on a career-high 30 carries) in the overtime win over the Ravens. While Taylor is undeniably better than Moss, this has not helped his cause or dispelled the notion that RBs can largely be easily replaced.
When the Colts engaged in trade talks in late August, doubt emerged about their desire to complete a deal. Jaylen Waddle surfacing in talks with the Dolphins sent up a red flag about the Colts’ true interest in moving on, and a Taylor path to Miami may be closing. The Dolphins just rushed for 350 yards in a historic decimation of the Broncos, and Mike McDaniel‘s team has received quality play from Raheem Mostert. De’Von Achane‘s first crack at regular work also produced a monster outing — 203 rushing yards, four touchdowns. Miami also has Jeff Wilson eligible to come off the PUP list next week, though it is uncertain if the ex-49er will be ready to do so. Summer’s top Taylor suitor does not seem to feature a need, having three backs tied to low-cost contracts.
The Ravens and Browns have lost their starters for the season. Cleveland also recently reunited with Kareem Hunt, potentially applying some heat on Baltimore to improve its situation. Barring a dramatic shift in their approach, CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson notes the Ravens should not be considered an interested party. Injuries have forced Baltimore to add numerous veterans over the past few seasons — that list now includes Melvin Gordon and Kenyan Drake — but the team does not appear prepared to hand over a high draft choice and/or a lucrative extension for a running back. It no longer looks like the Colts are asking for a first-rounder to move Taylor, but there do not look to be many suitors.
Time may be running out for Taylor to continue his crusade. While the 2021 All-Pro has lobbied against playing for the Colts again, his options are limited. The Colts do not have to activate him from their PUP list next week, however, and the parties may continue to use the list as a way to keep trade talks alive. Taylor returning to a Colts team that has shown signs of life — after an abysmal 2022 — would be an important AFC South development, and an answer about his availability should be days away.
With Aaron Jones dealing with an injury and AJ Dillon being brutal, the Packers should get a deal done and bring him back to Wisconsin. They could really use him.
Agree. With AR12 they didn’t need a strong running game. With Love, they do.
I think that Packer fans underestimate how much having an elite quarterback improves the appearance of offensive line play overall, through calling protections or audibling into good plays, or making defenses back out of five plus man fronts. The Packers have discreetly had boosted performances from their line for several years now, despite lacking elite players (outside of an uninjured Bakhtiari and an ever moving Jenkins). That’s not to say that Dillon couldn’t improve, but that’s a consideration to bear as well.
Couldn’t disagree more. A strong running game prevents the Colts from having to use Rich as a runner too much
AR12 is Aaron Rodgers.
Richardson doesn’t even wear 12 lol
He was talking about Rodgers, that’s why he mentioned Love
Ah got me, reading is hard
Bucs have no running game. Ravens backs can’t stay healthy. They make way more sense
Just retire
Wish TB would get him and give Baker ANY kind of backfield help rather than the garbage they keep rolling out there week after week
This looks like a Harry Roseman move. Pair him with Swift and watch out.
They can’t afford JT after paying Hurts
NFL Salary cap is imaginary in 2023. They’ll push the contract to 2055 when Taylor is 50 or some BS.
BUCS BUCS BUCS
but I have had no luck
Part of me wonders whether Henry would be traded before his AFC South rival. He would figure to command less money long term, unless whomever trades for Taylor does so as a one year rental-if Taylor is up for that. Just a thought.
Green Bay
Chargers…Ekeler on one year deal and hurt. They would be a good combo. Ekeler can play more WR with Williams hurt and JT be the bell cow.
Chargers, Ekeler can play more WR with Williams getting hurt. JT could be the bell cow
I’d offer him a fully guaranteed 2 year deal. Use this year and next franchise tag value as the figure. Roughly $22m. And I’d trade a 3rd for Taylor; pending he passes the physical. It’s a passing league, but you have to still be able to grind the clock to keep your D fresh.
One should always keep one’s D fresh in hopes of some grinding
Well played!
What the Dolphin’s did on the ground Sunday is “exhibit A” for why you don’t have to pay RB’s high-end money. Miami schemed and blocked their way to 350 rushing yards. Pay the OL, pay the QB & WR who stretch the defense, then find a couple RB who can stay fresh and hit the seams.