In a surprising turn of events, the Green Bay Packers have joined the fray in the Jonathan Taylor trade discussions with the Indianapolis Colts, adding another layer of intrigue to the NFL's ongoing trade rumors. While the Miami Dolphins have been generating considerable buzz in their pursuit of the star running back, sources reveal that the Packers were also in talks with the Colts, demonstrating a genuine interest in acquiring Taylor's services.
ESPN reports that Indianapolis pushed forward after its self-imposed deadline, which lapsed at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, without securing an offer deemed acceptable for Taylor. The talented running back had expressed his desire for a trade last month, gaining the Colts' authorization to seek out potential trade partners. Despite the missed deadline, the situation remains fluid as the Packers emerge as viable contenders in the trade discussions. This possibility remains viable due to Taylor's trade eligibility, even though he currently resides on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, obligating him to sit out the first four games of the upcoming regular season.
A credible source informed ESPN that Taylor still harbors interest in being traded, and the All-Pro player welcomes the prospect. The NFL's trade deadline, set for October 31, provides a time frame within which a trade could materialize.
The Miami Dolphins, who had also expressed interest in Taylor, were engaged in discussions with the Colts, exploring various trade scenarios that encompassed both draft picks and players. Regrettably, none of these propositions convinced the Colts to take immediate action. The specifics of the Packers' offer and their level of interest in pursuing the trade moving forward remain shrouded in mystery.
Presently, the Green Bay Packers have a trio of running backs listed on their initial 53-man roster. The seasoned Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon share the roster with undrafted rookie Emanuel Wilson. Jones, 28, inked a contract that extends through 2024 but chose to take a $5 million pay cut during the offseason. This year, the two-time Pro Bowler will earn $11 million, which includes an $8.52 million signing bonus disbursed during the restructure. Although he is set to earn $12 million in the following season, none of this amount is guaranteed.
On the other hand, Dillon, 25, was a second-round draft pick in 2020 and enters the final year of his rookie contract.
Jonathan Taylor's potential addition to the Packers would have undoubtedly excited the team's fan base. Taylor's collegiate stardom at the University of Wisconsin, located near Green Bay, is well-documented. The Packers had previously been in the market for a running back in 2020, the same year Taylor became draft-eligible. However, the Indianapolis Colts secured Taylor as the 41st overall pick, well ahead of the Packers' chance to select him. Instead, Green Bay went on to draft quarterback Jordan Love in the first round and AJ Dillon as the 62nd overall pick.
Taylor's situation with the Colts escalated in May when the team communicated its decision not to extend his rookie contract until the season's conclusion—the last year of his current deal. During training camp, Taylor revealed lingering ankle concerns stemming from a January surgery and expressed his desire for a trade.
As the NFL season inches forward, Jonathan Taylor's next steps hold significant consequences. According to the league's collective bargaining agreement, Taylor's contract would toll for 2023 if he remains on the PUP list past Week 6 and doesn't make a return to the active roster throughout the season. His impending free agency status in the spring hinges on whether he amasses an accrued season.
With the trade deadline looming on the horizon, the saga of Jonathan Taylor's potential move to the Green Bay Packers adds an element of intrigue to the NFL landscape. The next few weeks are bound to be pivotal, determining whether Taylor remains in the Colts' blue and white or embarks on a new journey with the Packers' green and gold.
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