5 teams that make sense in a Jonathan Taylor trade for the Colts star

A steep price for Taylor

The Colts are described as being in fire-sale mode, with Taylor potentially among the players they could move. The article says a trade would be a painful step for Indianapolis, but could support its effort to compete in the future.

Adam Schefter has suggested the Colts may seek a return similar to San Francisco’s 2022 deal for Christian McCaffrey. The 49ers sent Carolina second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-round picks, though the article says Taylor’s price is unclear.

The piece argues Taylor could justify a high cost for a contender or near-contender needing an offensive boost. It identifies five teams as possible destinations.

Vikings need a ground game

Minnesota’s defense is the team’s foundation, but the article says its running game is not strong enough to help control the clock and line of scrimmage. Taylor could give the Vikings a more reliable offensive identity.

The piece notes that finding a quarterback could also help Minnesota, but says that pursuit may be harder and more expensive. It suggests adding Taylor now and addressing quarterback in the offseason.

Jaguars could add a chain mover

Jacksonville is playing well, but the article sees its running game as an area for improvement. Bayshul Tuten is described as promising, though more suited to a rotational role than carrying the ball across three downs.

Taylor could give Trevor Lawrence and the defense a missing piece, the article argues. A deal would be complicated because the Jaguars and Colts are division rivals.

Broncos and Seahawks seek balance

Denver could use a strong running back to support its defense and Sean Payton’s offense, according to the piece. It questions whether Bo Nix will prove himself this season and describes J.K. Dobbins as a capable but unspectacular option.

Seattle’s running game is presented as a weakness after the team parted ways with Kenneth Walker to stay under the cap. The article says Taylor could complement the defense and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, particularly as Sam Darnold has been less effective than a year earlier.

Patriots eye a playoff boost

New England has improved in recent weeks and could contend for a wild-card spot, the article says, though catching Buffalo in the AFC East looks unlikely. It describes the Patriots as a relatively complete team with a notable gap in the running game. The piece says Taylor could fill that need and give New England a better chance to make noise in the playoffs.