Article 6E3GH What the odds say: Which team will trade for Jonathan Taylor?

What the odds say: Which team will trade for Jonathan Taylor?

by
Eric Patterson
from on (#6E3GH)
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The relationship between the Colts and Jonathan Taylor appears to be coming to an end after Indianapolis reportedly granted their star running back permission to seek a trade.

Taylor has one year remaining on his rookie deal and will likely be looking for an extension with his new team.

However, given the NFL's league-wide hesitancy to extend running backs, finding a club willing to pony up the reported first-round pick or an equivalent package that the Colts want in return may be a tough task.

Taylor's next team odds (if not the Colts)
TeamOddsImplied Probability
Dolphins+22530.8%
Bears+45018.2%
Ravens+60014.3%
Broncos+70012.5%
Cowboys+80011.1%
Bills+80011.1%
Buccaneers+10009.1%
Commanders+12007.7%
Vikings+13007.1%
Eagles+16005.9%
Panthers+22004.3%
Bengals+22004.3%
Chiefs+30003.2%
Saints+35002.8%
Jaguars+50002%
Browns+50002%
Patriots+50002%
Chargers+50002%

Teams above +5000 are not listed. Odds via theScore Bet.

The Dolphins are the favorites to land Taylor at +225. They were also the best bet to sign Dalvin Cook before the former Viking decided the Jets were the best fit.

Miami's running back corps remains unchanged since the club lost the Cook sweepstakes, which is why they lead the way once again to acquire a high-profile ball carrier.

Mike McDaniel's tailback options consist of Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, and rookie De'Von Achane. The three, as a committee, are serviceable but none of them possess the explosiveness Taylor could bring to an already high-powered offense.

The Bears are next at +450, not because they are a team that's a running back way from getting over the hump. Rather, it's because they have the key requirements to get a deal for Taylor done: Cap space and draft capital.

Assuming the price for Taylor remains a first-round pick, the Bears own two of those coveted assets in the 2024 draft thanks to the offseason deal that sent their first-overall pick in the 2023 draft to the Panthers. They also have plenty of cap space if they want to give Taylor an extension.

Putting Taylor in the backfield behind Justin Fields would give the Bears one of the most - if not the most - dangerous rushing attacks in the NFL.

The Ravens are the only team with Super Bowl odds shorter than +2000 and shorter than +700 odds at landing Taylor. Like the Bears, adding Taylor to a ground attack that includes an elite rushing quarterback in Lamar Jackson is a scary thought. John Harbaugh doesn't shy away from using a running back by committee, either. Bolstering a group that includes J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards with Taylor's skillset should keep all three fresh for a deep playoff run.

Finally, the Eagles stand out as a long shot to land Taylor at +1600. Last year's Super Bowl runner-ups are favored to represent the NFC once again with odds of +250 to reach the big game - and trading for Taylor would increase their chances even more.

The Eagles brought in Rashaad Penny and D'Andre Swift this offseason to backfill Miles Sanders' departure. However, neither Penny nor Swift has shown the ability to stay on the field consistently. Packaging either Penny or Swift in a deal for Taylor is a possibility if the Colts give up on their hopes of a first-round pick in return.

An offense with Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, the best offensive line in football AND Taylor would make the Eagles Super Bowl favorites.

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