NFL Rumors: Colts wanted Packers star included in Jonathan Taylor trade

No wonder the Packers shut down trade talks with the Colts.
Green Bay Packers v Indianapolis Colts
Green Bay Packers v Indianapolis Colts / Andy Lyons/GettyImages
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The Green Bay Packers were surprisingly in the mix to trade for Indianapolis Colts star Jonathan Taylor.

Indianapolis set its own deadline to agree a trade for the All-Pro running back, with Green Bay reportedly among the teams interested. General manager Brian Gutekunst played it down, giving his classic answer that the Packers want to be "in every conversation."

However, we are now beginning to discover why the Packers never came close to trading for Taylor, and it comes down to the Colts' incredibly high asking price.

Packers Rumors: Colts requested star receiver in Jonathan Taylor trade

ESPN's Adam Schefter shed light on the negotiations between the Packers and Colts for Taylor.

According to Schefter, the Colts wanted Packers star wide receiver Christian Watson to be included in the trade. Green Bay had no interest, which is why negotiations never went past "initial discussions."

No wonder the Packers had no interest.

Taylor is a fantastic player. A former All-Pro. Two years ago, he rushed for 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns. However, he is also coming off a season-ending injury. The Packers traded up for Watson in the second round a year ago. He is their future.

Green Bay would have to give up Watson and then hand Taylor a massive contract extension.

While Taylor would have improved the Packers' running back room, the team already has the excellent duo of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon for at least one more season.

It's unclear exactly how much draft compensation the Packers were willing to offer for Taylor, but they were smart to shut down conversations once the Colts included Watson's name. The second-year receiver is a game-changer with star potential. Green Bay's receiving depth would take a hit without Watson, but the team is well set at running back.

Unless the Colts are willing to lower their price, we can forget about Taylor to the Packers anytime soon.

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