Coming into NFL training camp in 2023, it was presumed that Jonathan Taylor would be playing for the Colts as he had in each of his first three professional seasons.
However, things were thrown into flux when Jim Irsay sounded off on the NFL's running back market, which lured Taylor's agent into a war of words with the mercurial owner. After that, Taylor spent time away from Colts camp and asked to be traded.
The Colts were reluctant to capitulate to those demands until just before the NFL roster cutdown deadline. They made an effort to move Taylor but no deal was found.
As a result, the disgruntled running back remained on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list with ankle and back injuries to start the season. He will miss the first four games and after that, the Colts will have to make a decision about his future.
It remains unclear whether Taylor will play for the Colts this year. If he refuses, the team will have to scramble and try to unload him before the NFL's trade deadline on Oct. 31.
MORE: Bears, Dolphins among best landing spots for Jonathan Taylor
If Taylor is available, he will have suitors, and the Dolphins will likely be included among them. Miami was connected to Taylor after his trade request and while the Dolphins didn't swing a deal for the running back, they look like a sensible landing spot for him.
Why might the Dolphins consider trading for Jonathan Taylor? Here's what to know about the trade rumors surrounding the Colts' running back and why they should (or shouldn't) go get him.
The case for the Dolphins trading for Jonathan Taylor
It's easy to understand why the Dolphins might want to trade for Taylor. The team isn't very deep at running back and is already dealing with some injury issues at the position.
Raheem Mostert is the team's current starter, but he has appeared on the injury report at times with a knee problem. He has only played 11 or more games three times in the last seven seasons, so it's hard to recommend trusting him to stay on the field.
Behind Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr. is out for the first four games after landing on IR while rookie De'Von Achane dealt with a shoulder injury in the preseason and was inactive in Week 1. Salvon Ahmed and undrafted rookie Chris Brooks are the only other backs on the roster, so the team would be exceedingly thin if Mostert went down.
The presence of Taylor would allow the Dolphins to limit Mostert and Wilson's carries, keeping them fresher to serve as dynamic speed threats in change-of-pace roles with the team. Taylor could then serve as a three-down workhorse — if needed due to injuries — or he could simply head up a strong rotation.
Taylor would be a good fit with Mike McDaniel's offense as well. McDaniel's scheme has frequently opened big lanes for Mostert and Wilson, so if Taylor can get strong blocking like he did in his first two seasons with the Colts, he will be able to rip off big chunks of yardage.
Additionally, Taylor is 5-10, 226 pounds, so he would bring an element of power that they don't get from Mostert (5-10, 205) and Wilson (6-0, 194). Achane (5-9, 185) is also better noted for his speed than anything else.
So, Taylor could be the final piece needed to complete an elite Dolphins offense.
MORE: Why the Colts didn't trade Jonathan Taylor before self-imposed deadline
The case against the Dolphins trading for Jonathan Taylor
That said, the Dolphins may be better off avoiding trading for Taylor.
Why? Well, the running back is on an expiring contract, so the team will have to give him a big-money deal to keep him. That may have seemed like an easy decision to make after he led the NFL in carries (332 yards), rushing yards (1,811) and touchdowns (18) in 2021, but he regressed in 2022.
Taylor played in just 11 games and looked sluggish upon his return. He averaged just 4.5 yards per carry which is a respectable number but was well below his average of 5.3 from his first two seasons. As such, many wondered if his ankle injury had a negative impact on him.
Taylor's injury issues have carried over to the 2023 season, and that is part of the reason that he is out for the first four games. That could make the Dolphins more reluctant to pay him than they already would be.
Between the NFL's declining running back market and Miami's need to sign Tua Tagovailoa to a long-term extension, the Dolphins may not want to have Taylor on a top-of-market deal. They already have Tyreek Hill — the NFL's highest-paid receiver — on the roster and Tagovailoa figures to be one of the league's top-paid quarterbacks if he inks a long-term extension with the club.
As such, committing extra financial resources to Taylor may not be particularly feasible for Miami.
Further, the Dolphins may not want to meet the Colts' asking price in a Taylor trade. Even if they like him, the truth still is that he is a running back on an expiring contract. Indianapolis is seeking first-round value in exchange for Taylor, per reports, so that may be cost-prohibitive for the Dolphins.
There has also been a report that the Colts asked the Dolphins for Jaylen Waddle as a part of a Taylor trade package. If that's true, then Miami may not even want to engage in discussions with Indianapolis, as that asking price is far too high.
So, while Taylor could be a good fit and an upgrade for the Dolphins, acquiring him looks like it may prove too costly.
