The Indianapolis Colts are now open to moving Jonathan Taylor, and that immediately puts one of the league’s most explosive backs into the center of the trade market.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the Colts are willing to deal the star running back. In the same report, Schefter said the New York Giants are among the teams with at least “some level of interest” in Taylor. He also named the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers as clubs believed to be interested.
For the Giants, the fit is easy to understand. New head coach John Harbaugh likes the group of Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy and Devin Singletary, but he has also wanted a true “bellcow” back.
The team reportedly went after Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III in free agency, and there was also reporting that Notre Dame star Jeremiyah Love and Arvell Reese were tied at the top of their board. It was widely believed the Giants would have taken Love at fifth overall if he had been there.
Taylor would give them something they do not currently have: a back who can tilt games with big plays. Last season, he was tied for sixth in the NFL with 16 designed runs of 15+ yards and finished third in “breakaway” runs. He also led the league with 18 rushing touchdowns while fumbling just two times.
Earlier this week, our own Ed Valentine argued the Giants should take advantage of their chance to win the NFC East this season and go all-in on the 27-year-old Taylor.
That idea only gains steam after a report that Harbaugh personally called Tennessee Titans ownership in an effort to land defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons, who ended up with the Chicago Bears. If Harbaugh is that aggressive, the expectation is that the Giants will be just as forceful in the Taylor chase.
Of course, this would not come cheap. A deal would likely require major draft capital, possibly even a first-round pick to make up for the one the Colts sent to the New York Jets.
That is a serious issue in a 2027 draft class that is shaping up to be deep and talented at several positions the Giants need. Taylor would also force the team to make room under the cap and work through the financial side of the move.
Still, the appeal is obvious. Taylor is one of the best runners in football, and the argument is that he could help form a true “three headed monster” with wide receiver Malik Nabers and tight end Isaiah Likely.
And if Taylor becomes the player Harbaugh wants most, then it falls to Joe Schoen to do whatever he can to bring him in.
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One name that keeps coming up is Tony Pollard, whose profile makes him an interesting alternative if New York decides Jonathan Taylor is too steep a target. Pollard has a track record of production, and his contract situation could make him more attainable than a true premium rental, though any deal would still depend on what kind of return the Giants are willing to send and how Tennessee views its own roster balance going forward. [Read more 🡒]