Packers price for a Jonathan Taylor trade might be coming down
The Green Bay Packers' run game has become an issue without Aaron Jones. Could they revisit the possibility of a Jonathan Taylor trade?
It was a huge surprise when the Packers were named one of the teams to hold talks with the Indianapolis Colts over a deal for Taylor. But based on what we've seen from AJ Dillon this season, it is starting to make more sense.
Packers running backs not named Aaron Jones have rushed for 147 yards from 53 carries, an average of 2.78 yards per attempt. Dillon has rushed 39 times for only 107 yards.
The Colts initially set unreasonable demands in trade talks, but things could be changing.
As Jonathan Taylor trade rumors heat up, should Packers make a move?
Three games into the season, the Packers are relying too heavily on Aaron Jones. He starred in Week 1 but missed the next two games, and Green Bay's run game fell apart without him. Adding Taylor to the mix would change the game for the Packers offense, and a deal may have become more affordable.
ESPN's Dan Graziano provided an update on Taylor's status with the Colts. He will remain on the PUP list for one more week, but then it's decision time.
"From what I understand, he still doesn't want to play for the Colts, and they still don't want to give him a long-term contract. The time since the preseason has mellowed out the market a bit and maybe created more fertile ground for a deal," said Graziano.
Graziano added that it "wouldn't surprise" him if Taylor's first game this season is for a different team.
If the Colts have lowered their asking price for Taylor, at what point would the Packers show serious interest?
From a football perspective, there's no doubting the impact Taylor would have in Green Bay. Only two seasons ago, Taylor earned first-team All-Pro honors after rushing for a league-best 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns. He is also only 24 years old.
Two significant factors come into play. What do the Colts want in return, and how much will the Packers have to pay Taylor on a new contract? In all likelihood, Green Bay won't be willing to meet all of the demands.
Since the previous trade rumors, the Packers' ground game has declined, especially without Aaron Jones. A Jones-Taylor partnership would rival any other in the league, but it all comes down to what the Packers are willing to pay and what the Colts demand to get a deal over the line.