Packers reportedly tried to trade for Jonathan Taylor
The teams broke off talks after the Colts self-imposed deadline.
By PackerAaron
From Stephen Holder at ESPN:
The Miami Dolphins weren't the only team interested in acquiring Jonathan Taylor from the Indianapolis Colts. The Green Bay Packers also were in talks with the Colts and had legitimate interest in trading for the star running back, sources told ESPN. Indianapolis moved forward after its self-imposed deadline of Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET came and went without receiving what the team deemed an acceptable offer for Taylor, who requested a trade last month and was authorized by the Colts last week to seek out a trade partner. But the Packers emerging as a contender remains relevant because Taylor can still be traded, even though he is on the reserve/physically unable to perform list and therefore must miss at least the first four games of the regular season.
Well that's a fun little nugget, isn't it?
Indianapolis selected Taylor in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. In 2021, he led the NFL in both rushing yards (1,811) and touchdowns (18), earning a Pro Bowl selection that year and was named first-team All-Pro.
My guess, and that's all it is is a guess, is that Brian Gutekunst saw an opportunity to acquire a young, super star talent to put behind his first year starting quarterback and took a swing. There's no word on what was offered, but its not unreasonable to assume that AJ Dillon, who is entering the last year of his own rookie contract, may have been part of the offer.
What's funny to me is that this all goes back to Colts owner Jim Irasy, who played hardball with his star player to the point where the star player wanted out, and now, is undoubtedly playing hardball when it comes to his asking price when dealing with other teams.
Regardless, this is certainly something to watch going forward, prior to the trade deadline in August.
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Comments (12)
Bearmeat
August 30, 2023 at 10:59 am
I’d have been stunned. Like.. STUNNED.. if this had happened. I’d guess the Packers offered a day two pick and AJ Dillon. But the real thing that would have shocked me is that Taylor (deservedly) wants to be PAID. Perhaps its because we’ve been QB centric for so long, but I just can’t see GB paying a RB top dollar. Ever…
Leatherhead
August 30, 2023 at 11:21 am
I'd take this with a grain of salt. If the Packers hadn't made any inquiry, then the narrative would have been "Gutekunst not aggressively trying to improve the team".
If you're the GM of the Packers, how much effort is involved in having your secretary get somebody on the phone and say "hey, would you consider trading this guy? You would? Well, maybe we should talk about this."??
But at some point, you realize that you aren't interested at the prices they're discussing. Fine. Move on. You considered a shot at improving the team AND securing the future at RB, but decided to let this one go.
The Packers have had a very good situation at RB ever since LaFleur made Jones the lead dog in 2019. Williams and Dillon have helped, and they've all been pretty durable, ball-security kind of guys that don't hurt the team. But as the prophets said, 'nothing lasts forever' and it's time the Packers addressed the future of that position. Enjoy Jones/Dillon while you can, it's been a great combo for us, but it's reaching the end of the trail.
LambeauPlain
August 30, 2023 at 12:48 pm
AJ is getting paid ($11 million, 3rd highest in NFL) and is on the books for close to $18 million next year to retain him...so they are paying top dollar. And AJD's K is over after this season.
Colts are thin at OL and RB, with JT on PUP.
And next season, replacing soon to be 29 year old AJ's salary with 24 year old JT's isn't crazy.
Would you trade Nijman, AJD and a 2024 3rd for JT?
13TimeChamps
August 30, 2023 at 03:10 pm
I would trade our next 10 3rd round picks for him. It would almost be like getting him for nothing.
Just kidding...sort of.
LLCHESTY
August 30, 2023 at 02:09 pm
Jones is getting top RB dollars right now. The Packers probably have a top 5 RB group. Both in production and in dollars spent.
Matt
August 30, 2023 at 11:45 am
OK, let's assume it was a real deal. What do you think was on the table from our side? I don't know if Gutekunst would ever pay with picks of round 1-2 but I am sure it wouldn't be RB in our situation (good+ RB room, not really contending this year). Do you think it was more likely Jones with potential 6/7 round pick (Taylor is younger) or Dillon with higher picks? I am glad Jones will be a Packer, I would like to see him on top of GB rushing leaders soon. He's a good guy devoted to the team and society.
Ferrari-Driver
August 30, 2023 at 01:15 pm
If liking the players on your football team is of any value, they don't come any more desirable that Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon. I'm not saying that Taylor is a bad guy or a super guy. I just like what I think both Jones and Dillon add to the locker room, the community, and they do a good job on the field.
13TimeChamps
August 30, 2023 at 03:14 pm
Totally agree. They both have truly become a part of the GBP community. And they both seem to embrace it.
Highly unlikely in this day and age, but it be awesome to see both of them spend their entire careers here. Hell, even Hornung and Taylor couldn't pull that off.
stockholder
August 30, 2023 at 01:47 pm
I got to praise Gutey for this. - Nice Try!
jannesbjornson
August 31, 2023 at 01:26 pm
He should stay in the negotiations. 2024 then becomes a draft to bag OTs, a safety and another WR with the first three selections.
GregC
August 30, 2023 at 04:10 pm
This made no sense to me when I first read about it. With Aaron Nagler's explanation, it does not sound completely crazy, but still a little far-fetched. Maybe the fact that this was even discussed says something about how bad the relationship is between Irsay and Taylor. Irsay may be getting desperate to get rid of this guy.
jont
August 31, 2023 at 08:19 am
"says something about how bad the relationship is between Irsay and Taylor."
My first thought as well. Taylor and Irsay had their clear-the-air meeting, and Taylor comes out of the room and immediately tells the reporters he wants a trade. Safe to say, that meeting did not go well.
What is it about NFL owners? Irsay has a dreadful reputation and has totally kneecapped his GM on this, Jerry Jones trades for a QB without mentioning it to anyone, Pres Murphy has everybody report to him, ....
I read somewhere that the main thing about having money and power is that it allows you to be who you really are.