Bears Acquire Recent NFL Rushing Champion in Exchange for Draft Picks in this trade scenario
The Chicago Bears have an impressive group of running backs set to support QB Justin Fields this season, but the team didn't hesitate to explore new opportunities when they arose.
After a drawn-out dispute with the Indianapolis Colts over a contract extension this offseason, 2021 NFL rushing champion Jonathan Taylor finally achieved his goal of landing on the trade block. "Colts have given All-Pro RB Jonathan Taylor permission to seek a trade, per league sources," ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted on Monday, August 21. "Other teams now are weighing whether to make an offer to the Colts and what would be fair value."
According to Stephen Holder of ESPN, the Colts are seeking a first-round pick in exchange for Taylor. If they can't secure a first-rounder outright, Holder reported that the team is looking for a collection of draft assets that would be equivalent to a first-round pick.
Chicago holds its own first-round pick in 2024, as well as that of the Carolina Panthers. Both of those selections could be too valuable to trade for a running back, even one as young (24 years old) and talented as Taylor. However, Chicago also has its own second- and third-round picks in the upcoming draft, along with two fourth-round selections, according to NBC Sports.
The Bears have the flexibility to bundle a few non-first-round picks and possibly include 2023 free-agent addition D'Onta Foreman in a deal for Taylor if they wish.
Should the Bears pursue Taylor, he will be an expensive upgrade. Chicago was previously considered a potential destination for New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley this summer, following the departure of four-year starter David Montgomery to the Detroit Lions in free agency.
Barkley ultimately stayed with the Giants, and the Bears took a different approach to their backfield. They signed Foreman to a one-year, $2 million contract and used a fourth-round pick to select RB Roschon Johnson from the University of Texas. They join backup rusher Khalil Herbert, who performed admirably last season in a limited role behind Montgomery.
The Bears are already well-positioned in the offensive backfield with young, dynamic talent on affordable contracts. Spotrac estimates Taylor's market value at $13 million annually, which is more than three times what Chicago is currently paying the combined trio of Herbert, Foreman, and Johnson in 2023.
| POLL | ||
22 AOUT | 213 ANSWERS Bears Acquire Recent NFL Rushing Champion in Exchange for Draft Picks in this trade scenario Should the Bears trade for Johnathan Taylor? | ||
| Yes | 85 | 39.9 % |
| No | 128 | 60.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
