NFL Rumors: Eagles, Colts discussing trade for star RB Jonathan Taylor

Eagles GM Howie Roseman is no stranger to taking big swings right before a new season gets underway.

Last year, the Eagles acquired Chauncey Gardner-Johnson just days before Week 1. This year, an All-Pro player could be headed to Philadelphia.

Per Evan Massey of NFLAnalysis.net, the Colts and Eagles are currently discussing a major blockbuster trade involving star running back Jonathan Taylor.

“According to a source, the Eagles have been among the most aggressive trade suitors for Taylor since he was allowed to search for a trade. They have been connected to quite a few running backs this offseason, but none that would make a bigger impact than Taylor.

At this point in time, the Eagles have D’Andre Swift and Kenneth Gainwell as their top two running backs. Both guys are quality playmakers, but neither is capable of being a workhorse. Taylor could easily come in and take the offense to the next level and be a workhorse.

Ideally, the Eagles could offer a second-round pick and Gainwell as a potential return. That would leave Swift in town to be a third-down and change of pace kind of back. A duo of Taylor and Swift would be extremely dangerous to support superstar quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Plenty of other teams have shown interest in acquiring Taylor as well. Among those teams are the Miami Dolphins, Chicago Bears, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buffalo Bills are another team to keep a close eye on as well.”

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Taylor is entering the final year of his rookie contract and was granted permission to seek a trade following a three-week standoff. The Colts have shown no willingness to make a long-term offer to Taylor but are also seeking significant trade compensation for his services.

His new team must consider whether they’re willing to sign Taylor to the contract extension he seeks. The likelihood of that deal coming from Philly is slim. The Eagles have notoriously avoided paying running backs big money, and this offseason was no different.

Eagles RB salary in 2023:

• Boston Scott: $1.85M
• D’Andre Swift: $1.77M
• Rashaad Penny: $1.35M
• Kenneth Gainwell: $940k

With the ink still drying on Jalen Hurts’ $255M contract, AJ Brown making $25M annually, and DeVonta Smith’s extension looming, I can’t see Roseman shelling out for the most devalued position in football.

Has Roseman inquired about the Colts’ asking price? Probably — the Eagles are coming off a narrow Super Bowl loss and are hungry to get back. The addition of Taylor behind Philly’s offensive line would solidify them as championship favorites.

Still just 24 years old, Taylor has rushed for 3,841 yards and 33 TDs in three seasons with the Colts. Taylor is the second-fastest player in team history to rush for 3,000 yards (33 games), only behind Edgerrin James (30 games).

The Colts are reportedly giving Taylor until Aug. 29 (roster cut-down day) to find a trade partner that will satisfy their demands in compensation.

Jonathan Taylor said SEE YA. 76-YARD TOUCHDOWN. #ForTheShoe

📺: #INDvsBAL on ESPN
📱: https://t.co/cpgwIpWHHN pic.twitter.com/4cM20sy0kN

— NFL (@NFL) October 12, 2021

Mandatory Credit: AP Photo | Zach Bolinger