Report: The Packers Have Real Interest In Jonathan Taylor

Report: The Packers Have Real Interest In Jonathan Taylor

The Indianapolis Colts recently informed Jonathan Taylor that he could engage in trade discussions with other teams, sparking interest across the NFL. However, the team was snobby and ultimately elected to not trade Taylor (for now).

Recently, it came to light that the Miami Dolphins held significant interest in Taylor following their miss on Dalvin Cook. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported that the Colts asked for receiver Jaylen Waddle “and more,” which obviously didn’t occur.

The Green Bay Packers also were in talks with the Colts and had legitimate interest in trading for the star running back, according to ESPN’s Stephen Holder.

Indianapolis progressed beyond its internally set deadline of 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, as that moment passed without the team receiving a deemed satisfactory offer for Taylor. It’s going to be difficult to land a deal for Taylor, given how stubborn the Colts are being.

They have absolutely no interest in giving Taylor the extension he deserves but also have little interest in giving him up for anything less than a boatload of picks or a superstar playmaker.

Despite being on the PUP list, Taylor maintains the potential for a trade, but he must sit out the initial four games of the regular season. That means that the Packers’ interest is still valid, and a source told Holder that “that there is still trade interest in Taylor and the All-Pro would still welcome a trade.”

The Packers already have dual-threat back Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon, and rookie Emanuel Wilson on their roster. Adding Jonathan Taylor would make for a loaded backfield and a great amount of help for first-year starter Jordan Love.

Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst recently praised Emanuel Wilson’s progression throughout camp and answered why the Packers decided to go with three running backs on the roster.

“He took advantage of his opportunities,” he said. “Early on, he was definitely far away from the special teams and the nuances of playing running back, but he really progressed the last few weeks and showed some special things with his opportunities… He’s really earned it.“

It’ll be interesting to see what happens with Wilson if Taylor is dealt to Green Bay. It’s clear that the team is happy with Wilson’s progress and Taylor’s arrival will certainly put Wilson’s roster spot in jeopardy.

However, Dillon was a second-round draft selection in 2020 and is entering the final year of his rookie deal. The Packers and Colts could swap backs and keep the younger Wilson. Gutekunst had something to say about the possibility of a potential Dillon trade.

“AJ’s part of this team and he was going to be regardless,” Gutekunst said. “Again, there’s a lot of conversations–we are used at times for leverage situations at times as well. But we’re not doing what we’re supposed to be doing if we’re not investigating these things, at least listening to things. But yeah, I think it’s the nature of the world now. There’s all kinds of things out there, some are true, some aren’t.”

According to Holder, the Dolphins explored various potential agreements, encompassing both draft picks and players. However, none of these propositions persuaded the Colts to take action. The details of the Packers’ offer and their future intentions remain undisclosed.

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