INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 18: Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts against the New England Patriots at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 18, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The Jonathan Taylor saga rolls on in Indianapolis. On Wednesday the Colts activated Taylor off the PUP list. And starts a 21-day window where Taylor has to return to the field. The Colts front office and ownership have been sending mixed messages this offseason. GM Chris Ballard has said he wants Taylor to play his entire career in Indianapolis. While owner Jim Irsay has said running backs don't have value in today's game, and doesn't want to pay big money to a back. There were 2 teams that reportedly entered trade discussions with the Colts for Taylor. They were the Dolphins and the Packers. But with De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert's start to the season, it seems unlikely the Fins will be in for Taylor again. As for the Packers, I think Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon is a nice 1-2 punch.
So who are the 4 teams that should trade for Jonathan Taylor? More on that in a minute (or just scroll down). I am circling in on true contenders to make the playoffs. Could the Chicago Bears use Jonathan Taylor? Hell yes. However that seems like a bad move considering the franchise is headed towards another tear down at the end of the season. That is unless Justin Fields has a miraculous turn around. This is not me reporting these teams are in for Jonathan Taylor. But they should be if they want to improve their chances of either making the playoffs or a deep run into February. Here are the 4 teams that should trade for Jonathan Taylor.
1. Cleveland Browns
Nick Chubb going down for the season was a blow for the Browns. Bringing in Jonathan Taylor as a 1-year rental would give the Browns the pop and running back they lost with Chubb. If there is a back who can replicate Chubb's production, it is Jonathan Taylor.
2. Baltimore Ravens
Once again, JK Dobbins is done for the season. I feel terrible for the guy, but he just feel snake bitten at this point with all of the leg injuries. Justice Hill and Gus Edwards are fine fill ins, but Jonathan Taylor would add another element to an already really good offense.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are 3-1, and have the inside track to the division with a road win against the Saints. Baker has been solid this season, and adding Jonathan Taylor to a solid passing attack would make Baker's life much easier. I think this is the first team on the list that can hand Taylor a big contract once they get him.
4. Los Angeles Rams
Kyren Williams has been good for the Rams this season. But the Rams are in a position most of us didn't think they would be in after the first month; 2-2. We know Rams GM Les Snead is not afraid to push his chips to the center of the table. Surrounding Matthew Stafford with Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, Jonathan Taylor, and Tyler Higbee would give the Rams a shot at making a Wild Card.
