The Colts were unable to trade running back Jonathan Taylor before their self-imposed deadline of 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, when 53-man rosters were set. It was not, however, due to a lack of interest in the veteran running back.
Indianapolis just didn't appear willing to trade Taylor. Case in point: the team's asking price.
It was known that the Colts were hoping to land a first-round pick or commensurate value in exchange for Taylor. But according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, they tried to push the envelope a bit too far in their trade talks with the Dolphins.
MORE: Why the Colts didn't trade Jonathan Taylor, explained
Jonathan Taylor trade rumors: Colts tried to get Jaylen Waddle from Dolphins
How did Indianapolis do that? By making "wild requests" and asking for Jaylen Waddle as a part of the deal.
As @HolderStephen reported, Packers were mystery bidder for Jonathan Taylor, besides the Dolphins. And can confirm through Dolphins person, as reported by Indy media, that Colts made wild requests from Miami, including Waddle & more.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) August 30, 2023
Dolphins general manager Chris Grier told reporters Wednesday he had engaged in "exploratory talks" with the Colts, but said there was no "exchange of offers" and "there was nothing really close," according to ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques.
Certainly, the idea of trading Waddle for Taylor would not be well-received by the Dolphins. The Alabama product has been a key part of the team's passing game in his first two seasons; last year, he caught 75 passes for 1,356 yards and eight touchdowns while working across from Tyreek Hill.
Given Waddle's performance, it was always unlikely that the Dolphins would part with him. Add in that he is 24 — the same age as Taylor — plays a premium position and has three years left on his rookie contract, including his fifth-year option, and the idea of trading Waddle for Taylor becomes even more unfathomable.
That said, it's unlikely that a straight-up Waddle for Taylor swap is what Indianapolis pitched. Still, there would have to be a lot more compensation heading Miami's way to balance that deal.
But even then, it's hard to imagine the Dolphins pulling the trigger on a Taylor trade. As such, it doesn't seem like the Colts were necessarily negotiating with any intention of moving Taylor.
MORE: Jaylen Waddle fantasy outlook: Should you draft Dolphins WR in 2023?
Packers 'mystery team' in Jonathan Taylor sweepstakes
While the Dolphins appeared to be the main team after Taylor, they weren't the only one. ESPN's Stephen Holder reported that the Packers were among the teams that considered acquiring Taylor despite having a settled running back depth chart.
Aaron Jones is once again set to be Green Bay's backfield leader after a season that saw him generate 1,516 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns. Behind him is AJ Dillon, who logged 976 scrimmage yards and seven TDs of his own last season. That tandem proved to be a strong one for the Packers, so breaking them up — even to acquire Taylor — wouldn't make a lot of sense.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst did acknowledge discussions, though, telling reporters Wednesday the team was merely "investigating" its options.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst on Jonathan Taylor: "We’re not doing what we’re supposed to be doing if we’re not investigating these things." Adds that AJ Dillon "part of this team and he was going to be regardless."
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) August 30, 2023
Of course, it's worth noting that both Jones (28) and Dillon (25) are older than Taylor. Dillon's contract is up following the season, too, while Jones' isn't fully guaranteed for 2024 and beyond. So, perhaps exploring a Taylor trade was a long-term move by the Packers to try to build for the future. Adding him would potentially allow the team to capitalize on Jordan Love's lower-cost contract while adding a player who may have a bit more longevity than Jones.
MORE: Best trade fits for Jonathan Taylor, from Dolphins to Bears
At the same time, Jones has been fairly durable, missing just four games in the last four seasons, and has posted starter-caliber numbers at running back. As such, the upgrade from Jones to Taylor may not be worth its cost.
Either way, it appears that teams around the NFL are interested in trading for Taylor. And while he wasn't moved before the Colts' deadline, his name bears watching throughout the season to see if Indianapolis looks to deal him ahead of the Oct. 31 trade deadline.
