The Miami Dolphins remain a prominent contender in the Jonathan Taylor sweepstakes.
According to the Miami Herald‘s Barry Jackson, the Dolphins have continued discussions with the Indianapolis Colts about acquiring the star running back. Indianapolis granted Taylor’s agent permission to seek a trade earlier this week.
Jackson said the Colts turned down at least one offer from the Dolphins. They’re reportedly seeking a first-round pick for the 24-year-old, who’s entering the final season of his rookie contract.
NEW: Dolphins, Colts continue Jonathan Taylor talks: Miami among several teams of interest to the 2021 All Pro. And 3 national voices weigh in on a potential Dolphins/Taylor marriage: “This is a guy that could put them over the top”: https://t.co/SHJWS2tOvz
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) August 24, 2023
Per Jackson, Taylor is open to joining the Dolphins.
“Taylor has a home in South Florida and trains here in the offseason and would be happy with a trade to Miami, according to a source,” Jackson wrote. “But he also would be happy with a trade to several other teams.”
ESPN’s Stephen Holder previously identified the Dolphins as one of six teams to ask about Taylor and one of two that made an offer. Indianapolis reportedly gave him until Tuesday’s 53-man-roster deadline to find a deal.
Taylor requested a trade last month after the Colts declined to offer him an extension. Per Holder, their stance on a long-term deal hasn’t changed.
Only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers attempted fewer runs than Miami last season. Despite getting frequently linked to available running backs, the Dolphins haven’t bolstered the unit since drafting De’Von Achane in the third round.
If fully recovered from offseason ankle surgery, the 2021 rushing leader could turn Miami’s offense into a well-rounded juggernaut. Yet it remains to be seen if the Dolphins would pay a high asking price to acquire Taylor.