Packers tried to trade for All-Pro but it makes zero sense

Always expect the unexpected with the Green Bay Packers.

After reaching the NFC Championship Game with Aaron Rodgers, they traded up for Jordan Love. When you expect nothing in free agency, they sign future Hall-of-Famer Julius Peppers.

But a recent move by GM Brian Gutekunst would have gone down as one of the most surprising in franchise history.

According to ESPN's Stephen Holder, the Packers held talks with the Indianapolis Colts over a trade for All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor.

It leaves only one question: What on earth were they thinking?

Taylor is a fantastic running back; make no mistake about it. In his first two seasons for the Colts, he rushed for an unbelievable 2,980 yards and 29 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.

But the Packers absolutely should not trade for the former Wisconsin star.

Trading for Jonathan Taylor would be a huge mistake for Packers

A trade now seems unlikely, as the Colts wanted a deal done before their own deadline on Tuesday. But in theory, there's no reason why a deal can't still happen.

Regardless, the Packers shouldn't even entertain the idea.

Taylor has one year remaining on his rookie deal. Presumably, a team trading for Taylor will also have to figure out a contract extension. The Packers would have to pay serious money and likely make Taylor the highest-paid player at the position.

This would come just months after the Packers asked star running back Aaron Jones to take a pay cut. He agreed. Handing Taylor a massive deal would be a slap in the face to Jones.

The Packers already have an excellent running back partnership with Jones and AJ Dillon. Sure, both players could be gone in 2024 -- Jones turns 29 in December and Dillon is in the final year of his contract -- but that doesn't mean trading for Taylor makes any sense.

Paying running backs big money is always a risk. Most teams are moving away from that approach.

Then there is the trade compensation. The Packers would have had to offer a lot to make a deal happen. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Indianapolis "made wild requests" to the Miami Dolphins, including wanting star receiver Jaylen Waddle included in the trade.

What would it take for the Packers to land Taylor -- Jordan Love plus the entire receiving corps? It doesn't sound like the Colts are being particularly reasonable.

As talented as Taylor is, the Packers shouldn't make a deal.

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