Colts could turn to veteran journeyman to replace Jonathan Taylor
After a summer filled with unease, the Indianapolis Colts granted running back Jonathan Taylor permission to seek a trade on Monday.
The former All-Pro won't be had for cheap, as ESPN's Stephen Holder reported the organization is seeking a first-round pick or a "package of picks that equates to as much" in exchange for Taylor. While Indianpolis' steep asking price might hinder Taylor's trade market, it's become clear the Colts are at least entertaining an immediate future without their star running back.
Beyond Taylor, the depth chart is rather underwhelming in Indianapolis. Zack Moss, who the team acquired in a November trade last season, and veteran Kenyan Drake figure to be next in line if Taylor doesn't suit up for the Colts in 2023.
Moss recently had surgery to repair his broken arm but has a chance to return to action in time for Week 1. In his three starts with the Colts last season, Moss averaged a whopping 5.56 yards per carry (YPC.) However, his 4.1 YPC over a 31-game sample size with the Buffalo Bills showcases a far less efficient runner.
Drake, 29, is now three years removed from his 955-yard, 10-touchdown campaign with the Arizona Cardinals, but his 4.5 YPC average with the Baltimore Ravens in 2022 hints at the Alabama product still having some more juice left in the tank. This season will mark Drake's fourth team in four years, but the journeyman, who has 216 career receptions, offers the best dual-threat ability of Indianpolis' current slew of backs—including Taylor.
Fifth-round rookie Evan Hull enjoyed a productive final two seasons at BYU, totaling 1,922 rushing yards from 2021-2022. While the former Cougar may factor into Indianapolis' backfield long-term, he hasn't been overly impressive in the preseason, averaging just 2.6 YPC. Deon Jackson, a primary backup to Taylor the past two years, owns a 3.3 career rushing average, while Jake Funk has played predominantly on special teams over his two seasons in the pros.
The team could always go out on the open market and make a moderate splash by signing a veteran commodity like Leonard Fournette or Kareem Hunt. However, as things currently sit, expect the Colts to lean heavily on Drake in an all-purpose role if they decide to part with Taylor. Moss, who rushed for eight touchdowns on 225 carries with the Bills, should factor in as a short-yardage/goal-line option. However, don't be surprised if Hull ultimately usurps him in the pecking order as the season goes on.
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