Three potential landing spots for Colts running back Jonathan Taylor

Running back Jonathan Taylor formally requested a trade from the Indianapolis Colts last week after his request for a contract extension was declined, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. However, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported that Colts owner Jim Irsay told him the team has no intention of trading Taylor.

Taylor, the NFL’s leading rusher in 2021, is entering the final year of his rookie deal and has rushed for 3,841 yards in his career, the 17th-most by a running back over their first three seasons in NFL history. Injuries limited Taylor to just 11 games last season, and his slow recovery from an offseason ankle surgery has landed him on the PUP list to open training camp. 

Despite Irsay's comments, given the stigma surrounding running back contracts coupled with the reality that Indianapolis probably won't contend for a championship in the near future, it makes more sense to trade Taylor than potentially let him walk for nothing. Not to mention that the Colts just spent the fourth overall pick on dual-threat QB Anthony Richardson, who should handicap some of Taylor's production by vulturing touchdowns inside the red zone.

With that in mind, here are three destinations that would be logical fits if Indianapolis decides to honor the All-Pro’s request:

Baltimore Ravens

Considering that the Ravens have built an identity as a run-first offense and have legitimate Super Bowl potential, there might not be a better fit for Taylor. 

Since quarterback Lamar Jackson made his first career start in 2018, Baltimore has had the most prolific rushing attack in the NFL (13,173 yards). But with Jackson expected to use his legs less frequently in OC Todd Monken's offense and questions surrounding oft-injured RB J.K. Dobbins, Taylor is arguably more of a necessity than a luxury. 

Like Taylor, Dobbins is eligible for a contract extension and without one, will enter free agency next offseason. Dobbins has shown flashes of being a talented lead back, but he's played eight games in the last two seasons and is already on the PUP list as he rehabs from a knee ailment. With an extensive injury history and inconsistent performance when healthy, it seems unlikely that the Ravens will re-sign Dobbins on a long-term deal.  

Arizona Cardinals 

While the Cardinals might not make sense at first glance, as they're heading into a rebuilding season, they have an abundance of assets to turn things around quickly. Arizona holds 11 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, including two first-rounders, one second-rounder and three third-rounders. By packaging the second-round pick and possibly two third-rounders, the Cardinals would have a strong offer for Taylor. 

In Jordan Reid of ESPN's early mock draft, the Cardinals selected USC quarterback Caleb Williams and Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. first and second overall. Depending on how the organization feels about Kyler Murray, they could flip the first pick to recoup some assets from a Taylor trade while also receiving at least one first-rounder. Of course, this is assuming Arizona secures those selections. 

The Cardinals may need a new running back in 2024, with 28-year-old James Conner having a potential out in his contract after the season. Conner carried the ball 183 times last season and should have more tread on his tires after a season where the team is expected to struggle and is facing an uncertain situation at quarterback. 

Washington Commanders

As history has shown, new owners tend to make a statement move soon after buying a franchise. With the Commanders' sale being approved so late in the offseason, Josh Harris and his ownership group missed several opportunities to do so. A Taylor trade can, however, be the acquisition that officially marks the end of the Dan Snyder era.

Additionally, Washington is already well-positioned to make a splash in the 2024 offseason, when it boasts the fourth-most cap space in the NFL, allowing the team to easily extend Taylor.

The Commanders have a loaded supporting cast for unproven quarterback Sam Howell, with dynamic weapons like WRs Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. Although Howell is a competent passer, throwing for 10,283 yards across three seasons at UNC, it might be wise to bolster the running game in case he struggles. 

RBs Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson are still on the roster, but the former averaged an ineffective 3.9 yards per carry last season while the latter is a free agent next offseason. New OC Eric Bieniemy has shown a willingness to incorporate multiple backs into his scheme, so a committee approach could keep Taylor healthy this season before taking on a larger workload in the future.