Could Jonathan Taylor be headed to Chicago? Despite the speculation, here's why the elite running back is unlikely to wear a Bears jersey.
Jonathan Taylor's Indianapolis Exit: Why a Chicago Move is a Long Shot.
Star running back Jonathan Taylor's urge to depart from the Colts is becoming the talk of the town after his trade request this July. This, following the Colts' refusal to extend his contract in May, has sparked discussions about potential new destinations. Slated to earn $4.3 million in the upcoming season, this marks his rookie contract's conclusion.
While Colts owner Jim Irsay was initially firm on keeping Taylor, recent reports suggest some flexibility. ESPN's Stephen Holder highlighted that the Colts might allow Taylor to seek an apt trade partner before the NFL's cut-down day on Aug. 29. The asking price? A first-round pick or its equivalent.
Recent buzz indicates that the Bears, Dolphins, and Broncos are in the mix, with Barry Jackson from The Miami Herald mentioning their keen interest.
At 24, Taylor, last year's leading rusher, would ostensibly be a stellar addition to the Bears' offensive lineup. Pairing him with quarterback Justin Fields would surely be a formidable duo to contend with. But how practical is this trade for the Bears?
They've recently adopted a more frugal approach to the running back position, evident when they let David Montgomery sign a modest deal with the Lions. So, would they be willing to invest heavily in Taylor, both in terms of a trade and a subsequent extension?
Further bolstering the argument against this move is the Bears' existing roster. With the inclusion of D'Onta Foreman and draft pick Roschon Johnson, their backfield is already brimming with potential. Foreman's 914-yard rush last season, given his limited offensive snaps, is a testament to his capability. And while Johnson was a fourth-round pick, his college stats hint at his latent talent.
Moreover, the financial implications of acquiring Taylor cannot be ignored. Allocating a significant chunk of the cap to a running back might restrict investments in other crucial positions. As Ryan Poles, the Bears' general manager, highlighted, the cap restrictions mean resources need to be distributed wisely.
The evolving NFL ethos is also a factor. While running backs have had their glory days, the trend is leaning towards quarterbacks and receivers. The Bears have already made strategic moves in this direction, evidenced by their deals with DJ Moore, Tyler Scott, and Robert Tonyan.
Their impressive run last season, spearheaded by Justin Fields and Khalil Herbert, further reinforces that they can excel without a marquee running back. Investing in other pivotal positions, like a dynamic edge rusher or a reliable secondary receiver, should be higher on their priority list.
In a nutshell, while Jonathan Taylor's prowess is undeniable, the Bears' trajectory, both in terms of finance and strategy, suggests that they'll likely pass on this opportunity. The aim is to maximize each dollar spent, and a hefty investment in Taylor might not align with that vision.
| POLL | ||
27 AOUT | 28 ANSWERS Could Jonathan Taylor be headed to Chicago? Despite the speculation, here's why the elite running back is unlikely to wear a Bears jersey. Would you trade for Taylor if you were Ryan Poles? | ||
| Yes | 12 | 42.9 % |
| No | 16 | 57.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
