The NFL trade deadline is closing in fast, and the Dallas Cowboys may end up playing a bigger role in the Jonathan Taylor market than anyone expected.
Dallas is set to meet the 2-6 Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, and Indianapolis is widely viewed as one of the more likely sellers after parting ways with longtime GM Chris Ballard. That puts Taylor right in the middle of the conversation. He’s the biggest name on the roster that could realistically move, and teams such as the Giants, Broncos, Vikings, and others are already being linked to him.
Taylor’s resume explains the buzz. He’s one of the league’s top running backs and has cleared 1,000 rushing yards in four of his six NFL seasons, including each of the last two. But whether that reputation turns into a trade may hinge on what happens against Dallas.
The Cowboys are giving up 152.8 rushing yards per game, the worst mark in the NFL. They also just got hammered on the ground by Arizona’s Tyler Allgeier, which only adds to the concern heading into Sunday. If Taylor finds room to run, the numbers could get loud in a hurry.
That matters because Indianapolis has said it won’t have any more trade discussions until after Week 9 is over. So this is Taylor’s last chance before the deadline to put another big game on tape and potentially push his value higher.
He’s already had plenty of productive afternoons this season. Taylor has gone over 90 rushing yards in five games, though he still hasn’t reached 100 in any one contest. Sunday could be the first time he gets there this year, and if he does, the ripple effect could reach well beyond Week 9.
The Colts are not expected to give him away. After trading two first-round picks to acquire Sauce Gardner at last year’s deadline, they’re looking for a first-rounder in return. A strong showing against Dallas could make that ask harder to ignore for a contender.
Of course, there’s no guarantee a team will meet that price. Taylor is making over $20 million in each of the next two seasons, and running backs are still viewed as a luxury position with a short shelf life.
Still, if Taylor puts together a big day against the Cowboys, it could be enough to force a team’s hand. And if the Giants, or another contender, decide he’s worth paying for, Dallas may wind up being the team that helped set the whole thing in motion.
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