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The New York Giants are widely viewed as a team that might have interest in a trade for Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor.
But if that's the case, it's going to be astronomically costly.
According to Easton Butler of Packer Report, Taylor can be had, but the Colts are looking for a first-round pick and more for the superstar running back.
"The Colts are opening to trading some key players, following the firing of GM Chris Ballard. One of the players is RB Jonathan Taylor, but the price wont be cheap. Per sources, the Colts are looking for a 1st + more for the star RB," he reported.
Why Colts could trade Jonathan Taylor
As Butler notes, the Colts could be in fire sale and rebuild mode after firing general manager Chris Ballard, a move that was long overdue.
If that's the case, it's going to be multiple years before the Colts are good again, so it doesn't make much sense to hold on to Taylor.
Instead, the Colts should strike while the iron is hot and get something for Taylor, who could fetch a very good return in a competitive market, and that return will greatly assist in Indy's rebuild.
That said, we're extremely skeptical about the Colts getting that big of a return for a player at a position that has been devalued over the years.
But if there's any back who could, it's Taylor, who is one of the truly elite players at his position in the NFL.
Why Giants could trade for Jonathan Taylor
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The price notwithstanding, it's not hard to see why the Giants could have interest in the Colts running back.
Head coach John Harbaugh loves to run the football and right now his running backs room is a mess.
Cam Skattebo has been ineffective this season and he's currently in the dog house for fumbling. Behind him is Tyrone Tracy, who is not a lead back.
New York also had the declining Najee Harris, but he has since been cut after complaining about how the Giants deployed their backs in Week 6.
How Jonathan Taylor can help Giants
Taylor would be a game-changer for the Giants' offense. Not only is he a fantastic runner, Taylor is also a very good pass-catcher.
He would make Jaxson Dart's life much easier in the years ahead because of his ability to take games over.
The fine line the Giants have to walk is giving up significant draft capital when the team is still building.
Lest we forget, this is just Year 1 of Harbaugh's tenure and while Big Blue is in first place right now, it's not because the Giants are a very good team.
They've had a soft schedule and could easily have a few more losses if things didn't bounce their way. Adding to that, the division is a total disaster right now.
But, playing devil's advocate for a second, running backs as good as Taylor don't become available very often and he's under contract through 2028, so this isn't a win-now move only.
Taylor can still help this team for at least a few more years, which is something the Giants will surely weigh.