Jonathan Taylor To The Bears? That Is A New Projection
The NFL remains as unpredictable as ever. Not too long ago, running back Jonathan Taylor was an MVP candidate. He has become one of the best at his position in the entire league. Two years later, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay shockingly denounced the idea of paying him or the idea he’d be missed when he is gone. Almost immediately, Taylor requested a trade. That was the least surprising thing about the developing soap opera. Irsay has insisted the Colts will not trade him, but the horse may already be out of the barn.
Alienating one of your best players is rarely smart practice. Irsay seems to think there is nothing wrong with what he said. While it might be true that paying running backs is questionable business these days, saying so publicly was an incredible instance of self-sabotage that seems to be a running theme with Irsay of late. Taylor has refused to practice since, conducting a hold-in. Now trade speculation is picking up rapidly. People wonder where the back could end up. According to Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report, the first team to watch is Chicago.
“Chicago Bears receive: RB Jonathan Taylor
Indianapolis Colts receive: 2024 second-round pick
Chicago doesn’t need another running back, but it can upgrade the position with one of the league’s top ball-carriers.
Moreover, the Bears would take a lot of pressure off third-year quarterback Justin Fields, who’s carried a big workload on the ground, logging 232 carries for 1,563 yards and 10 touchdowns in two seasons.
Taylor could cement Chicago’s hard-nosed physical offensive identity while Fields makes strides as a passer. With $34.8 million in cap space, the Bears can afford to load up on top-notch skill players to aid their young signal-caller’s development. First, wideout DJ Moore, now Taylor.”
Jonathan Taylor doesn’t seem like a necessary solution.
Let’s make something clear. If he ended up on the roster, he would immediately be the best running back the Bears have had since Matt Forte. The problem is the price to make that happen wouldn’t be worth it. For one, this team doesn’t need a running back. They have two capable runners in Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman at cheap prices. They also drafted Roschon Johnson in the 4th round, who they really like. Casting those three aside for Taylor doesn’t make logical sense, especially given the cost involved.
Surrendering a 2nd round pick would be steep enough, but then they would have to work out a contract extension. Jonathan Taylor is sure to seek top five money. So we’re talking $13-15 million per year. If Ryan Poles wasn’t willing to pay David Montgomery $6 million per year, then there is no way he’d give that kind of money to Taylor. That is especially true after the running back missed six games last season with ankle problems. There is no question he and Justin Fields could make a lethal combination. Sadly, the move just wouldn’t be cost-effective.