Packers’ chances of trading for Jonathan Taylor may have just increased

The Green Bay Packers were the mystery team that was involved in the sweepstakes for Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor. It was something that surprised a lot of people as running back doesn’t seem to be close to the most pressing need in Green Bay.

The team already has a talented duo of Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon leading the backfield. But, the long-term outlook of the position is certainly not as clear. 

After restructuring his contract this offseason, Jones could be playing his last season with the Packers as his cap hit goes up. Dillon is set to hit free agency in 2024 and given the landscape of the running back market, it is anyone’s guess if he will return.

While no deal was reached ahead of the Colts’ self-imposed deadline of Aug. 29, the Packers could still make a move for Taylor. He is out the first four weeks of the season on the PUP List but can be moved if the Colts receive a trade package they like.

Right now, the odds of Taylor landing with the Packers have also increased. They are now reportedly the only team in the race to acquire him in a trade. The Miami Dolphins, the other team linked to Taylor, have opted to go in a different direction.

Miami is looking into the free agency market to find some running back help. After releasing Myles Gaskin on cutdown day and placing Jeff Wilson Jr. on IR, the Dolphins’ backfield was left dangerously thin. Rookie Devon Achane is nursing a shoulder injury, leaving Raheem Mostert to carry the load.

A free agent such as Kareem Hunt is reportedly the direction the Dolphins are now looking to go in. That leaves the Packers in a great spot to acquire Taylor, as there doesn’t look to be any more competition for the 2021 league-leading rusher.

This will certainly be something to keep an eye on going forward. The Packers and Colts will have until Nov. 1 to work out a deal as that is when the trade deadline is set.