The Miami Dolphins were not the sole team interested in acquiring Jonathan Taylor from the Indianapolis Colts.
According to sources from ESPN, the Green Bay Packers were also engaged in discussions with the Colts and expressed genuine interest in trading for the standout running back.
Even though Indianapolis moved past their self-imposed trade deadline of 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday without securing an acceptable offer for Taylor, who had requested a trade last month and was authorized by the Colts to explore potential trade partners, the Packers' involvement in the negotiations is still pertinent. This is because Taylor remains eligible for trading, despite being on the reserve/physically unable to perform list and, therefore, needing to sit out at least the first four regular-season games.
A source shared with ESPN that trade interest in Taylor persists, and the All-Pro running back is still open to a trade. The NFL's trade deadline is set for October 31.
Sources revealed that the Dolphins engaged in discussions with the Colts, exploring various potential deals involving draft picks and players. However, none of the proposals put forth convinced the Colts to take action. The specifics of the Packers' offers and the extent of their interest going forward remain unclear.
Within their initial 53-man roster, the Packers currently have three running backs: established players Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, along with undrafted rookie Emanuel Wilson.
Jones, aged 28, is under contract until 2024 but agreed to a $5 million pay cut this offseason. He will earn $11 million this season, inclusive of an $8.52 million signing bonus paid during his restructure. While he's due to earn $12 million next season, none of that sum is guaranteed.
Dillon, aged 25, was a second-round draft pick in 2020 and is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
The Packers closely evaluated Taylor, who was a standout player at the nearby University of Wisconsin. Although the Packers were in need of a running back in 2020, the year Taylor was draft-eligible, the Colts selected him with the 41st overall pick, a choice that occurred before the Packers' selection of quarterback Jordan Love in the first round and Dillon at No. 62 overall.
In May, the Colts informed Taylor that they wouldn't extend his rookie contract until after the current season, which represents the final year of his deal. During training camp, Taylor informed the Colts about lingering ankle issues from a January surgery and expressed a desire for a trade.
The upcoming steps for Taylor hold significant implications. As per the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, if Taylor remains on the PUP list as of Week 6 and doesn't return to the active roster during this season, his contract for 2023 would toll. Taylor is set to become a free agent in the spring if he accumulates an accrued season.