Report: Packers had 'legitimate interest' in Taylor trade

The Green Bay Packers had "legitimate interest" in trading for All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor and were negotiating with the Indianapolis Colts, sources told ESPN's Stephen Holder.

The Dolphins were previously reported as one of the main suitors for Taylor, whom the Colts opted to keep Tuesday after a self-imposed deadline came and went without a deal.

Indianapolis granted Taylor permission to seek a trade amid a deteriorating relationship with the running back caused by the team's unwillingness to extend him this offseason. However, the Colts reportedly didn't receive an offer that matched their asking price of a first-round pick or an equivalent package.

The AFC South club made "wild requests" of the Dolphins, including asking for up-and-coming receiver Jaylen Waddle to be included in the deal, according to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson.

The Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears were also apparently interested in Taylor.

The 24-year-old will miss at least the first four games of the regular season after the Colts decided to keep him on the physically unable to perform list due to an ankle injury. But Taylor can still be traded prior to the Oct. 31 deadline, and there is still interest around the league, a source told Holder.

Green Bay already has Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon atop its running back depth chart. Jones produced 1,121 yards and two touchdowns last season, while Dillon racked up 770 yards and seven scores.

Taylor earned the NFL's rushing title in 2021 with 1,811 yards but endured an injury-ravaged 2022 campaign.

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