NFL: The intense drama between former Wisconsin Badgers running back Jonathan Taylor and the Indianapolis Colts have been a lingering storyline for weeks. After Colts owner Jim Irsay publicly criticized running backs for wanting fair salaries, Taylor requested a trade.

Taylor has been placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, which means he must miss at least the first four games of the 2023 season. That has not stopped teams from reportedly being interested in trading for the 2021 NFL rushing leader. While the Miami Dolphins have been talked about as the most serious contender for Taylor, a new report from ESPN states that the Green Bay Packers were also in serious discussions with the Colts regarding a trade for the disgruntled star.

The Green Bay Packers Are Interested in Trading for Former NFL Rushing Leader Jonathan Taylor

According to an article written by Stephen Holder of ESPN:

“The Green Bay Packers also were in talks with the Colts and had legitimate interest in trading for the star running back, sources told ESPN.

“Indianapolis moved forward after its self-imposed deadline of Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET came and went without receiving what the team deemed an acceptable offer for Taylor, who requested a trade last month and was authorized by the Colts last week to seek out a trade partner.

“But the Packers emerging as a contender remains relevant because Taylor can still be traded, even though he is on the reserve-physically unable to perform list and therefore must miss at least the first four games of the regular season.”

On Tuesday, the Packers made the decision to carry three running backs onto their initial 53-man roster: Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon, and Emanuel Wilson. It is unclear what the plan would have been had Green Bay been able to swing a trade, or what players/draft picks may have been involved.

Obviously, a running back trio of Taylor, Jones, and Dillon would be the best three-headed monster backfield in the NFL. By far.

Still, the Packers’ interest in Taylor draws into question the futures of both Jones and Dillon in Green Bay. Jones took a pay cut to stay with the only NFL team that he has ever played for, but uncertainty clouds his future with the franchise beyond 2023. Dillon is in the last year of his rookie contract and may or may be retained.

One of the stipulations that Taylor is rumored to want in a trade is a large extension. The fact that the Packers were in talks indicate they would have been willing to make that happen, but for the right amount. Regardless of the financial figure, this indicates that one or both of Jones or Dillon is not in the team’s long-term plans.

As Holder notes, this is not over. Taylor still can be traded this season, and Green Bay is interested.

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