Earlier today, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor met with owner Jim Irsay. The meeting did not go well, and Taylor has formally requested a trade.
This news comes off the back of several NFL running backs meeting privately about being underpaid and undervalued in the current market. Colts’ owner Jim Irsay did not hold back in his comments about the current running back market either.
Irsay states that the comment was not directed at Taylor, but it does not bode well for the team, nor Irsay, as the meeting must not have gone as planned.
So here are three Jonathan Taylor potential landing spots in case he gets sent packing in a surprise move.
Jonathan Taylor Potential Landing Spots – New York Jets
Yes, the Jets will meet with free agent running back Dalvin Cook. But, if they swing and miss on signing Cook, Taylor would be a welcome addition. He would join Aaron Rodgers in the Jet’s offense and be an immediate threat to limit touches for injured second-year running back Breece Hall. The explosive nature of Taylor’s running would match well with the Jet’s run-blocking scheme, and he could stretch to the outside and do the rest from there. The Jets could find themselves with lots of decisions to make between Taylor and Cook, but many players are making New York a priority destination.
Jonathan Taylor Potential Landing Spots – Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings saw their starting running back leave in free agency in Cook, so adding Taylor would help fill the huge hole left in their backfield. While the Vikings seem to trust new starter Alexander Mattison, how could they pass up on a disgruntled Taylor coming off of his worst season in the NFL? Adding Taylor to the Vikings’ offense would be a home run in the wake of Cook’s departure. Just imagine him in an offense with Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson, and new rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison.
Jonathan Taylor Potential Landing Spots – Arizona Cardinals
A dark horse team that could sneak into the Taylor sweepstakes would be the Cardinals. Do they need Taylor? No. They have James Conner taking handoffs, and he does a good job of producing for the team. However, the Cardinals hold two first-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft that could entice the Colts to make this trade. It would also lessen the blow of losing wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins this offseason, giving the team another star player to help alleviate the pressure faced by quarterback Kyler Murray.
While it is uncertain what will happen with Jonathan Taylor prior to the start of the season, Jim Irsay is holding onto his running back. At least that is what he is telling everyone at this point.
In what has been a chaotic offseason thus far, tighten your seatbelts and hang on because it is far from over.
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Dustin Brown
Dustin Brown is a writer for The League Winners. He enjoys hanging out with my family and friends when not trying to delivering NFL news or fantasy content to win your league. There is no sports stone left unturned when it comes to what he will watch.