Three potential Jonathan Taylor replacements for the Colts

Zack Moss and veteran Kenyan Drake project as the top in-house options for the Colts to turn to, with rookie fifth-rounder rookie Evan Hull as a close third. Still, if Indianapolis is determined to shore up their run game and help ease the pressure off rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, they might want to dip their toes in the running back market. 

Here are three options to help ease the potential loss of Taylor in the Colts backfield: 

Leonard Fournette

Fournette, 28, is coming off an injury-riddled 2022 campaign where he averaged a career-worst 3.5 YPC. His dip in efficiency explains the limited interest he's received since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers opted to release him back in March. However, he still managed to total 1,191-plus yards from scrimmage in each of the past two seasons and has averaged 72.6 receptions over three of the last four years. 

A key piece in Tampa Bay's title run from 2020, Fournette is one season removed from averaging a career-best 4.5 YPC and scoring 10 total touchdowns. It wouldn't be farfetched for Fournette to recapture his "Playoff Lenny" form — but in the regular season — as a featured back in Indianapolis.  

Kareem Hunt 

After taking a few free-agent visits earlier this month (including to Indianapolis), Hunt remains unsigned. Presumably the top available running back on most team's boards, the Colts will have competition for Hunt's services. However, they offer something that most teams can't this late in the free agency period — a potential featured role. 

Since leading the league in rushing as a rookie in 2017, Hunt has seen his usage diminish, taking a backseat to Cleveland Browns star Nick Chubb over the past four seasons. If Hunt is prioritizing a leading role over joining a contender, Indianapolis is an obvious choice. 

Michael Carter 

With the signing of Dalvin Cook and the presence of Breece Hall, Carter has quickly found himself buried on the New York Jets depth chart. 

A former fourth-round pick, Carter is still just 24 years old with 21 career starts under his belt. While he may lack the skillset to be a true featured back, his dual-threat abilities (77 receptions in 30 career games) make him an intriguing low-risk buy for the Colts.