The time is right for a blockbuster NFL trade involving Colts All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano.
Taylor has to miss at least one more week before he can be activated from the physically unable to perform list, but Graziano said “it wouldn’t surprise me” if the 24-year-old makes his season debut with a new team.
“The time since the preseason has mellowed out the market a bit and maybe created more fertile ground for a deal,” Graziano said.
The Colts placed Taylor on the PUP list in August, days after giving him permission to seek a trade with a long-term contract extension not in the works.
Taylor is rehabbing from offseason ankle surgery and was limited to 11 games last season.
He is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and has rushed for 3,841 yards and 33 touchdowns over the last three seasons.
That includes a league-best 1,811 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns in 2021.
The potential trade market has possibly changed since the preseason since teams are now adjusting to injuries and underwhelming performance.
One potential fit could be the Browns, who Graziano said are “more motivated to make a deal than they want us to believe after the Nick Chubb injury.“
For the time being, Cleveland is moving forward with Jerome Ford at running back with the recently re-signed Kareem Hunt as his backup.
While Graziano thinks a deal could come to fruition, ESPN teammate Jeremy Fowler thinks Taylor isn’t going anywhere.
“I think he stays put. For as much as Taylor would like to be dealt — and heck, the Colts are probably cool with it at this point too — I don’t see a team that’s clamoring to give up a day two pick for a running back,” Fowler said.
With Zack Moss as its No. 1 running back, and despite rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson being sidelined by a concussion, Indianapolis is 2-1 following back-to-back wins.
The Colts host the Los Angeles Rams (1-2) on Sunday.