Jonathan Taylor Next Team Odds: Colts RB Looking For Fresh Start

The Indianapolis Colts were once a model franchise. 

Between 2003 and 2014 the franchise won the NFC South nine times, made two Super Bowl appearances winning one, and losing in the AFC Championship Game twice more. 

They employed the likes of Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Marvin Harrison and then drafted Andrew Luck in 2012 as their next franchise quarterback — we all know how that ended. Luck abruptly retired and the Colts were left spinning their wheels. 

Since that 2019 season where they finished 7-9, things have been trending down. They went 9-8 in 2021 and then 4-12-1 last year which left everyone inside the organization with a sour taste in their mouth. 

Their supposed workhorse running back, Jonathan Taylor now wants out of town after a tumultuous season that saw the former Wisconsin standout miss six games through injury and find the endzone just four times — a far cry from his 18 scores the year prior. 

He’s officially requested a trade from the franchise and the Colts, after stalling as long as they could, have granted the disgruntled running back permission to seek a trade:

Source: The Colts are seeking a first-round pick -- or package of picks that equates to as much -- in a potential Jonathan Taylor trade.

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) August 21, 2023

NFL odds like the Colts' chances of retaining Taylor’s services, but there are some interesting teams that could be players in acquiring Taylor via trade. 

Jonathan Taylor next team odds

Team	Odds
Indianapolis Colts	-150
Miami Dolphins	+350
Minnesota Vikings	+1,100
Washington Commanders	+1,200
Cincinnati Bengals	+1,200

Odds as of August 22, 2023.

Favorites to sign Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts (-150)

Despite finally granting Taylor permission to seek a trade, the Colts remain in the driver’s seat for this particular dispute. For starters, he’s under contract for another season, and with the precedent being set by teams not paying their workhorse running backs, the Colts are likely to follow suit. 

If the Colts manage to successfully put Taylor on the NFI list — he would then become a restricted free agent at the end of the season, and negotiating a new contract with anyone will be extremely difficult. 

Jim Irsay has admitted that no contract talks have taken place with the disgruntled running back and then doubled down with this bizarre quote: 

#Colts owner Jim Irsay: “If I die tonight and Jonathan Taylor is out of the league, no one’s gonna miss us. The league goes on. We know that. The National Football (League) rolls on. It doesn’t matter who comes and who goes, and it’s a privilege to be a part of it.”

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) July 30, 2023

With the Colts initial request of a first round pick and then some, there may be only a handful of suitors willing to pay the toll and the Colts can be picky. 

Miami Dolphins (+350)

Another team looking for a workhorse running back is the Miami Dolphins. They were supposedly “in” on Dalvin Cook but he ended up signing with the Jets. 

Their current running back situation consists of Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson but Taylor would assume the No.1 role should he come to town. 

Per a league source, the Dolphins are expected to at least explore a trade for Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, who has been given permission to seek a trade. Not sure where this will lead, but it would make sense in that he's only 24, 1st team All Pro & NFL rush leader in '21

— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) August 21, 2023

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel insists on using a running back-by-committee approach, so it's possible JT will have more tread left on the tires late in the season which will only bode well for the team should they make the postseason.  

Minnesota Vikings (+1,100)

If the Minnesota Vikings are serious about contending this year, I don't see how they can afford to not make this move. Taylor will be relatively cheap and with a ton of cap space, they'll have the room to re-sign him to a long contract should they choose to do so. 

I understand they just got rid of Dalvin Cook and adding another pissed off running back would come off a lateral move. However, with Justin Jefferson ready for another monster season and Kirk Cousins under center, Taylor could help push the Vikings to the next level. 

Washington Commanders (+1,200)

The Washington Commanders gave Sam Howell the keys to the franchise and while he's got a solid one-two running back punch in Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson, there's major room for improvement. 

Taylor would assume the No.1 role and the team has enough draft capital to pull off the deal and enough cap room to sign him to a long-term deal. 

Signing Taylor could push the Commanders into a wildcard spot. 

Cincinnati Bengals (+1,200)

If "super teams" were a thing in the NFL, adding Taylor to a Cincinnati Bengals offense that already has Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd would be it. 

Defenses wouldn't know which way to turn and the Bengals would likely lead the league in scoring. 

However, acquiring Taylor would mean trying to find a way to pay Higgins and Chase when their contracts are up in 2024 and 2025, respectively. 

Is adding Taylor only to lose another key piece the right move? I don't believe it is.

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