The slow-burning drama between front offices across the league and their franchise running backs just got another wrinkle. Jonathan Taylor has requested a trade. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter).
Additionally, it seems that the star rusher formally requested a trade several days prior to this announcement. The answer Jim Irsay gave him was not “no”. (Source: Stephen Holder on Twitter)
Fantasy Football Outlook
When it comes to a potential Jonathan Taylor trade, tremendous fantasy football implications loom large. One year removed from his NFL rushing title, it may come as a surprise to some that Taylor had not already been financially secured by the Colts for the long haul. However, to those paying attention, this is just another chapter in a long story marred by several holdouts and contracts that could be considered handouts to fellow elite rushers.
For Indianapolis, losing Jonathan Taylor would be a mistake in my eyes. With the inexperienced rookie Anthony Richardson being led by the first-time head coach Shane Steichen, having a steady presence of an elite rusher can help lighten the burden of adjusting to their new roles.
Nonetheless, if they were to lose Taylor, veteran Deon Jackson and rookie Evan Hull are the obvious benefactors. Jackson proved to be a productive handcuff in limited usage, scoring 13.1 and 28.1 points in the two games he had more than 50% snap share. Hull theoretically would provide a change of pace to Jackson along with a dynamic element in the short-area passing game
Now, where would Jonathan Taylor likely play in 2023? I have it narrowed down to three teams. The New York Jets, the Miami Dolphins, and, predictably, the Indianapolis Colts if he were to receive a second contract.
Meanwhile, as for the Jets and the Dolphins, these two are currently in a game of chicken over how much they will offer free agent Dalvin Cook. Presumably, the team to lose out on these sweepstakes would still be in the market for a dynamic running back. Enter Taylor.
Wherever JT plays this season, it can be safely assumed that he will be healthier than he was last season, returning to form as his hyper-efficient and productive self. His current sleeper ADP of 10.4 would be well worth it if you were to receive just 90% of who he was in 2021.
Dynasty Outlook
Despite what many running back detractors would tell you, Taylor is still in his prime at the age of 24. And for reasons stated above he should still be a highly sought-after asset for rebuilding and contending teams alike. No matter his final landing spot, his value in trade talks should never dip below a first and an above-average player in return. Dynasty Fantasy Football Rankings would have to be adjusted according to the landing spot in the event of a Taylor deal.
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