NFL analyst proposes a trade where Colts move one of their best players
One NFL analyst makes the case for the Indianapolis Colts to move on from one of their best players this offseason in a blockbuster trade.
NFL offseasons can be really unpredictable. Between trades, cuts, free agency signings, and the NFL Draft, the spring is always a chaotic time for the NFL. One NFL analyst proposes a way the Indianapolis Colts can contribute to that chaos this offseason. Marcus Mosher of PFF, in a recent piece looking at five trades that can shake up the offseason, proposed the Colts trade running back Jonathan Taylor to the Los Angeles Rams.
Yes, you read that right. Jonathan Taylor, who’ll be entering his fourth year next season and is arguably the best running back in the NFL. One of, if not the best player on the Colts. If Indy traded Taylor this offseason, it would certainly shake up the league. However, Mosher explains why it could be a possible move that both Indy and the Rams would consider.
For Los Angeles, Mosher highlights how the Rams were in the mix to trade for Christian McCaffery, showing that they’re definitely willing to move pieces to upgrade at running back. For the Colts, Mosher pointed to the pending contract negotiations. With Taylor entering the final season of his rookie deal, it’s time to start talking about an extension that would probably make him the highest-paid running back in the NFL. If Indy isn’t willing to commit that kind of money to Taylor, it makes sense for the team to trade him to a franchise that is willing.
But for what price? Since the Rams have been so aggressive in acquiring stars, they don’t have a first-round pick. Mosher suggests that Los Angeles sends Indianapolis their No. 37 overall pick in the 2023 Draft, “along with some other filler picks.” Is that enough for the Colts to let go of Taylor, even if they don’t want to pay him?
Is a second-round pick enough for Colts to trade Jonathan Taylor?
Simply put, the answer is no. Christian McCaffery was traded for a second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-round pick. If the Rams can’t bring a first to the table for Jonathan Taylor, they’re going to need much more than filler picks in a package with their second-round pick to even get Indy to consider moving on from Taylor. His underwhelming 2022 season which was shortened by an ankle injury may have made people forget how special he is but Taylor has already proven to be one of the best players in the NFL.
In Taylor’s second season in the NFL, 2021, he was a Pro Bowler and a unanimous First-Team All-Pro running back. He led the league with 1,811 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 40 passes for 360 yards and two additional touchdowns. He was the engine of Indy’s offense and ran the Colts to several victories. If Indy is moving Jonathan Taylor, the return has to really be worth it.
In reality, Taylor is likely to get extended by Indianapolis. Indy’s general manager, Chris Ballard, already said that teams should pay running backs when they’re special, and Jonathan Taylor is special, so he should be getting paid soon.
